Two more automobile units interested in Bengal:CM

Kolkata, Nov 23 (UNI) After Tata Motors, Ashok Leylands and Mahindra and Mahindra,the country's two other large automobile manufacturers, have evinced keen interest in investing in West Bengal soon.

Hinting this Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee informed the assembly here today that recognising the pro-active role of the state government in terms of its industrial rejuvination programme and setting up industries in different sectors, the two auto giants had shown enough interest in setting up their units in the state.

He refused to admit that Tata Motor's plan to set up its proposed small car manufacturing plant at Singur in Hooghly district had run into rough weather because of opposition protest over handing over of multiple crop land to the Tatas.

''In spite of that two more major auto manufacturers want to come and invest in the state, thereby reflecting their true faith in the state administration,'' Mr Bhattacherjee said.

He also described it as a very positive development towards Bengal's rapid industrialisation.

Underlining the role of the opposition in the industrialisation programme and seeking their "whole-hearted cooperation", the chief minister hoped that in the name of democratic protest no wrong signal was delivered to any prospective investor or among the business community as a whole.

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