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| Tata chief Ratan Tata said, "I want to understand why the TATA group is unwanted in West Bengal. |
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A severe crisis hit West Bengal Govt, when it stood at the receiving end. Tata Motors, Congress at Centre and Mamata Bannerjee of Trinamool Congress blamed the WB govt for its inadequacy to handle the Singur problem where Tata Moros is all set to produce world’s cheapest car ‘Nano’.
Tata chief Ratan Tata said, "I want to understand why the TATA group is unwanted in West Bengal. There is a definite concern of not being where we're wanted and where people are suspicious of us. If there is this feeling among the people, then we will exit the state," he said. "We have plans to launch Nano by October this year, but many people don't want that to happen and it's very easy for them to prevent it from happening, but I have made a major investment here. To move from here will be at a great cost not only for the TATA Group but also for West Bengal," he added. He further explained "When we came to West Bengal many people thought that we have gone mad. We came here still. I have always had a soft corner for this state and its rich potential," Tata said. Tata Motors hasn't shifted its roll out target. "The deadline is around October. But there is no point if statements are made that no car will be allowed to roll out of the factory," he said.
Asked about the controversy over the neighboring vendor park, the Tata Group chairman clarified that vendor park stood integral to the project plan and can't be de-linked. "We are deeply concerned at the violence and disruption and at the safety of our employees, equipment and investments at the project site at Singur," Tata told reporters on the sidelines of the Tata Tea annual general meeting.
Ratan Tata, clarifying the issue said, "Vendors took the land on lease as we did. They are part of the composite Nano plan. The plan has been so chalked out to keep the pricing low. They will employ large numbers of people. More investments will follow in terms of Tier II, Tier III segments. There is no Plan B for us." Tata added he was ready for talks with Mamata Banerjee who wants the government to return the land for Vendor Park and some more to the unwilling farmers from whom land was forcibly acquired. "Ms Banerjee made a statement. Tata Motors managing director Ravi Kant wrote to her saying that he was willing to sit for talks. In the letter he also explained the company's position, so that the meeting can be worthwhile," Tata said.
Meanwhile the Congress has blamed the Left government in West Bengal for Tata Group’s threat to pull out the Nano project from Singur. “Our party has always been critical of the Left’s handling of Singur,” the Congress party said. “The Left government now needs to introspect on what’s gone wrong.”
Mamata Bannerjee led Trinamool Congress will hold an emergency meeting on the pullout threat. On Friday, Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee responded to Ratan Tata's concern over West Bengal and Singur. Hitting back at Ratan Tata she said, "Who is indulging in violence? Who raped and killed Tapasi Malik? These questions will have to be answered first. I am not responsible for the situation. People who have lost land have to be taken care of." She also expressed concern on government's favoritism towards the TATAs. "Why is the Industries Minister holding midnight meetings with industrialists," she questioned, referring to Ratan Tata in obvious terms.
However, Bengal industries minister Nirupam Sen has displayed optimism.
"I hope this impasse will pass. I have already assured Ratan Tata. We will find a solution to the crisis. People of Bengal want this project to come up" he said.
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