Mamata gets a taste of governance, pleads for investments

Kolkata, Oct 18: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday played a gracious host to captains of industry with the twin objectives of attracting fresh investment for the state and cultivating a pro-industry image for her government.

"Make investment in West Bengal," the chief minister pleaded with the galaxy of industrialists present as she entered a posh south Kolkata address where the jamboree was held. She later met them separately on the occasion of "Bijoya Sammilani", a post-Durga Puja event.

This was her second interaction with the industry heads since the landslide Assembly election victory in May. She had last met them on June 18 at a formal meeting.

Observers said the get-together would give her another opportunity to shake off an anti-industry perception created after her land acquisition movement at Singur led to Tata Motors shifting the Nano small car factory to Gujarat.

On the question of acquisition of land for industry, she has already indicated that the government"s hands-off stand would not be diluted.

Ignoring demands for a government role in land acquisition, the chief minister said the administration would steer clear of acquiring land for private industry.

PTI