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Governor chairs talks on Singur

Marcus Dam

Says they were held in a spirit of understanding and would be resumed today

KOLKATA: The much-anticipated talks between representatives of the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress to break the deadlock over the Tata Motors project at Singur were held here on Friday, six hours later than originally planned.

Though the three-hour discussions at the Raj Bhavan were inconclusive, Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who chaired the talks, described the exercise as “useful and constructive.”

“The talks were held in a spirit of understanding and will be resumed tomorrow [Saturday],” the Governor later told journalists.

“Optimistic”

He was “optimistic” about the outcome of the talks.

“Both sides expressed their views and discussions were held in a constructive spirit with the intention of providing a way out,” a release issued from the Raj Bhavan added.

Industries Minister Nirupam Sen, who was a member of the State government panel at the talks, said: “It was a very free and frank discussion to arrive at a solution so that industry can start its operations there as quick as possible.” Asked whether he was hopeful, he said: “I am always hopeful.”

The Tata Motors authorities announced an indefinite suspension of work at the Nano car manufacturing plant on Tuesday in view of the continued confrontation and agitation at the project site at Singur.

The government is proposing a substantial economic rehabilitation package for farmers, whose land had been acquired. The possibilities of providing some land to the affected farmers are also being considered. This came up at the meeting.

The government is reportedly considering the possibility of setting up commercial stalls on more than 45 acres of land belonging to the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation and distributing them among the land losers.

The Trinamool agitation, which entered the 13th day, is for return of 400 acres of land “forcibly” acquired from farmers for the car project.

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