Date:01/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/01/stories/2008090153461002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Singur project

Right from the start, the Tata Motors project at Singur has been dogged by controversy. In Ratan Tata, we have a visionary who has made the world sit up by announcing the Nano — the world’s cheapest car — project. He and his team deserve support from all quarters. The project’s success, besides marking the triumph of the Indian automotive industry, will give a fillip to industrialisation in West Bengal.

But while Mr. Tata has been patient and has demonstrated his willingness to find a solution, it is unfortunate that a political battle is being fought in the State with Nano as a pawn. Disruption of work and vandalism cannot be allowed to go on forever. It is West Bengal that will stand to lose if the Tatas pull out of Singur.

S. Ram,

Chennai

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Mr. Tata spoke more in sorrow than in anger when he said the Tata Motors would have to think of moving out of Singur if the agitation against it continued. If it is moved out, it will cause irreparable damage to West Bengal as no further investment will be forthcoming and the unemployment problem will become acute. The Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee, should confine her agitation to seeking a just and equitable solution to the farmers’ problems through discussions with the State government.

M.K.B. Nambiar,

Mahe

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Even if, as alleged by the Trinamool Congress, 400 acres of land have been “forcibly” acquired for the project, let us understand that for the greater good, individuals have to make sacrifices. The ultimate goal is the betterment of the State and, through it, the nation. While the Trinamool Congress has all the freedom to protest, it must realise that the right is similar to the freedom to starve ourselves.

A.K. Dasgupta,

Chennai