Singur plant caught in a political quagmire - Ratan Tata

Barkha Dutt
NDTV, 27 December

In his first substantive comments on the controversy in Singur, Ratan Tata has told NDTV that it's not just politics but also his business competitors who are encouraging the trouble in West Bengal.

Ratan Tata, who has been voted as the NDTV Indian of the Year for 2006, said that there was absolutely no question of the Tatas pulling out of West Bengal and taking the project to another state.

He said that if someone held a gun to his head, they were welcome to pull the trigger, but he was not the kind to leave under pressure or threat.In response to Ratan Tata's statement, West Bengal Industries Minister Nirupam Sen has said that he regrets the fact that the corporate rivalry, that Ratan Tata says, is partially responsible for the deadlock for Singur.

Sen also added that he was grateful that Ratan Tata was determined to go ahead with the people's car project in West Bengal.

Trinamool reacts

Responding to Ratan Tata's comments, senior Trinamool leader Madan Mitra has said that the industrialist was wrong in implying that Mamata Banerjee's agitation was being funded by the Tatas' business rivals.

In a press release, the Trinamool threatened to sue Ratan Tata for defamation for suggesting that its agitation was being fuelled by Tata's business rivals.

"At a time when Mamata Banerjee is on the road and the agitation, suggesting that we are being funded by Tata's competitors is a lie, concocted and mala fide in intent," said Madan Mitra, Trinamool Leader.

In direct contrast, the West Bengal government is heaving huge sighs of relief at Ratan Tata's reaffirmation on Singur. But on the business rivalry angle it is circumspect.

"It is very difficult for me to comment, as I do not belong to the corporate world. But if it is true, then it is very unfair and unfortunate," said Nirupam Sen, West Bengal Industry Minister.