West Bengal Industry Minister Clarifies on Tajpur Port Contract with Adani Group
Kolkata: West Bengal industry minister Shashi Panja on Sunday tried to put to rest the speculation of termination of the contract by the Mamata Banerjee government with the Adani Group to build Tajpur Port in East Midnapore at an investment of ₹25,000 crores.
Ms Panja informed that the state government and the Adani Group have been in talks and working between themselves to seek clarifications of some observations made by the Centre that gave a “conditional security clearance” for the project.
She said, “A provisional letter of intent was awarded to them (Adani Group) for Tajpur Port. Work was underway to get permissions from the ministry of shipping, ministry of home affairs (MHA), ministry of defence and ministry of external affairs for it.”
The state industry minister elaborated, “The MHA has given a conditional security clearance and made some observations on which we, the state government, are working with the Adani Group and are seeking some clarifications. These communications are underway.”
She added, “I am making this statement on behalf of the chief minister. A clarification and dialogue is on between the state government and Adani Group. Talks are underway.”
On the opposition’s allegations of the end of the contract, Ms Panja claimed, “Don't listen to them. They don't even know the issue. They are making comments without knowing anything. Whatever I told you about the status is important. The opposition don't understand anything and are fueling speculation. A project has a port limit...it is better not to reply to the baseless claims of the opposition.”
Her assertions came days after the chief minister’s announcement at the Bengal Global Business Summit about the opening of tenders for the Tajpur Port and her call to the industrialists to participate in it which later fuelled the speculation.
