Modi Mum on Tata in Singur Rally
By KUNAL CHATTERJEE
KOLKATA: Standing on the symbolic soil of Singur, ground zero of West Bengal's historic land acquisition protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday promised a wave of industrialisation and jobs if the BJP comes to power in the state. Yet, in a speech that drew keen public eyes, he remained conspicuously silent on reviving the Tata Nano project, despite repeated assurances from top Bengal BJP leaders.
The rally here carried immense weight amid West Bengal's charged election atmosphere. Singur, where farmers two decades ago forced Tata Motors to abandon its small-car factory in 2008, has long symbolised the clash between development and agrarian rights. The 'Singur Barren Land Reuse Committee' recently urged industries on the non-cultivable portions of the 1,000-acre plot, fuelling hopes for revival.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had vowed that a BJP government would "beg and plead" with the Tata Group to return. Former state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar echoed this commitment. Local leaders, including Hooghly organisational district president Gautam Chatterjee, openly hoped Modi would deliver a "positive statement" on Singur. Chatterjee told reporters ahead of the event, "We hope that the Prime Minister will give some positive statement regarding Singur."
Modi's address, however, focused broadly on industrialisation tied to better law and order. "Investment will come to this state only if the law and order situation is improved," he declared. "But here, the mafia is given a free hand. Syndicate tax has been imposed on everything. The BJP will end this syndicate tax and mafia rule. This is Modi's guarantee." He emphasised jobs for ordinary people but made no specific mention of Tata or Singur industries, a omission that stung local BJP cadres.
The silence has sparked quiet disappointment among party workers. "We thought the Prime Minister would surely say something about Singur. Many people here want that," confided one local leader, speaking anonymously. "We told them BJP would do something if we come to power. They watched expecting promises. Now, what answer do we give?"
A BJP leader from Hooghly's organisational district acknowledged the let-down but offered perspective, "We are certainly a little disappointed. If he had spoken about bringing Tata back, it would have strengthened our position. But he is the Prime Minister, he must speak carefully. If Tata doesn't return, it could harm his and the party's image. Industries will come, maybe from another group. BJP will do what's best for the people."
As West Bengal gears up for polls, Modi's measured message underscores the tightrope BJP walks, promising growth without overcommitting on a politically loaded legacy issue. For Singur's residents, the wait for concrete revival plans continue.
