Buddhadev again appeals TMC to accept new rehabilitation package

Kolkata, Sept 17 : West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today once again appealed to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to accept the new rehabilitation package to resolve the Singur impasse.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday's evening Bhattacharjee also urged the farmers who have not taken the compensation so far to receive the same by Monday.

The Chief Minister said that the TMC is misinterpreting the agreement, which was signed in the presence of Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi on the issue.

Bhattacharjee categorically said that the government never committed to the returning of 400 acres of land to the farmers and that it has agreed to return as much land as possible.

On Sunday, the West Bengal Government offered greater financial assistance to those affected by Tata Motors 'Nano' car project in Singur to buy peace, due to the limitations on the area of land it can return to farmers.

According to the new rehabilitation package those farmers whose land had been acquired but have not taken money would be given 50 per cent extra compensation, in addition to the 10 per cent offered earlier if they accept it by September 22.

However, Banerjee said that she would not budge from her demand that 300 acres of land from within the main plant area and 100 acres from outside be immediately returned to farmers whose land was 'forcibly acquired'.

Trouble began after the West Bengal government acquired 1000 acres of farmland for the Tata Motors' 'Nano' car plant at Singur last year.

The government offered compensation, which some farmers rejected and the state's main opposition TMC has been demanding that at least 400 acres be returned to farmers.

The government says it is in favour of a land-based solution for farmers but against disturbing the Tata Motors plant site.

ANI