“We will bring back the Tatas here. However, the land at Singur is no longer with the state government": Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday vowed to bring back the Tata Group to drive industry and investments into the state under the BJP-rule, nearly 18 years after the corporate giant relocated its Nano small car project to Gujarat from Singur in Hooghly after facing a fierce anti-land acquisition movement by Trinamul Congress in the opposition during the Communist regime.
Interestingly, Mr Adhikari had played a key role in the movement led by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee when he was in her party. “We will bring back the Tatas here. However, the land at Singur is no longer with the state government. The previous government handed over to the farmers the ownership of their land. But they still cannot produce paddy or potatoes or poppy. An attempt was also made earlier for fisheries which did not become viable. The land pattern has changed since Tatas’ materials like rod and cement have got mixed with the soil there. I have done some initial work. But please don't hurry so much,” the CM said.
He added, “We want to check whether they want to come here with flowers to greet the CM and click photos or really intend to do something. My primary task is to look into if they have been a good business player like in the past or have done any bank fraud or land fraud or have been facing a money laundering probe.
Secondly, if they have held any land here to build a unit or renew a relationship only to protect their land. And thirdly, if they are coming here for a mere courtesy meet or have a specific plan for ‘Destination Bengal’ where I will hand over land to them immediately.”
Mr Adhikari also announced that state government sponsorship would be provided this time to only those Durga Puja organisers who really need it. He also informed that roads cannot be occupied illegally by hawkers in the city and state and warned of eviction.
