War of words start among politicians after Tata's threat

A fresh war of words again started among political parties on Friday with Tata’s threat to pull out of the Nano project from Singur, if the violent situation persists.

The State Congress party expressed its concern over the ongoing crisis and said it always has been critical of the Left’s handling of Singur. The state spokesperson asked the Left government to introspect on what’s gone wrong.

Meanwhile, State Industry Minister, Nirupam Sen expressed his deep loving for the project. He said that the people of West Bengal wanted the Nano car project at Singur and the State government was hopeful about it. This project would not have come into existence if 400 acre of land was returned as was demanded by Trinamool Congress chief Mamta Banerjee.

“You told me and I heard it. Now you decide,” was the first reaction of Sen when asked about Ratan Tata's statement that “Tata Motors would pull out if the violence and agitation continued at Singur.”

The TC chief however, said that she will not budge from her demand for return of 400 acre of land. She blamed the state government for not resolving issue on time.

Reacting to Ratan Tata’s threat to pull out project from West Bengal, she said: “We don't want anybody to move out of West Bengal, but at the same time, we will not bow to any kind of pressure." We have planned to lay siege to the small car plant at Singur on August 24, Banerjee added.

"In principle, we would like Ratan Tata to concede our demand for return of 400 acre forcibly taken away from unwilling farmers," she replied when asked about whether she would talk to Mr. Tata on the matter.

Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata today threatened to exit West Bengal if the violence at Singur was not ceased. Tata Motors is building a factory there to make the world's cheapest car Nano, but this can not be possible under these pressure and police protection.

Tata said that there was a general perception among people that it was exploiting the state. "We are extremely sensitive to the needs of the rural community. We have not come to exploit anyone. We have got the land on lease and not bought it."

On the sidelines of Tata Tea annual general meeting Ratan Tata said, "We are deeply concerned at the violence and disruption and at the safety of our employees, equipment and investments at the project site at Singur."