Contrary to expectations, Left-ruled West Bengal has joined the league of the best performing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in terms of growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) between 2001-02 and 2003-04. According to Assocham Eco Pulse study, the change of fortune in the state has come due to its aggressive approach to seek more foreign direct investment (FDI) under the able leadership of state chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. West Bengal saw an impressive growth of 15% in its GDP between 2001-02 and 2003-04 at constant prices and 23% at current prices riding on the back of the maximum growth of 25% in the services sector.