Delay will result in Tatas leaving West Bengal: Buddhadeb

Kolkata, Sept 21 : The Tatas would leave West Bengal if there is further delay in accepting the new rehabilitation package for Singur farmers, said West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Sunday.

The Chief Minister appealed to the opposition parties to withdraw their agitation.

"I appeal to the opposition parties to accept the government's package on the land acquisition at Singur for the Tata Motors factory and withdraw the agitation, said Bhattacharjee, and added, "If there is any further delay this project will leave West Bengal therefore without any more loss of time Tata Motors and ancillary units should be given the opportunity to resume work at Singur."

"Let all of us take the initiative to successfully implement this promising project in the interest of the State, the entire people of Singur and future generations," he said.

The Chief Minister's statement came in the backdrop of a number of states offering land and incentives to Tata Motors to set up the Nano project.

The new rehabilitation package provides for 70 acres of land from within the project area and compensation.

However, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata 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' small car plant at Singur last year.

The government offered compensation, which some farmers rejected and the 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