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Governor chairs talks on Singur

KOLKATA: The much-anticipated talks between representatives of the State government and the Trinamool Congress to break the deadlock over the Tata Motors project at Singur were held here on Friday, six hours later than originally planned even as the agitation outside the site area entered its 13th day. Though the three-hour discussions were inconclusive, Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who chaired the talks, described them as “useful and constructive.”

“The talks were held in a spirit of understanding and will be resumed tomorrow [Saturday],” the Governor later told journalists.

He was “optimistic” of the outcome of the talks.

“Both sides expressed their respective views and discussions were held in a constructive spirit with the intention of providing a way-out,” a release issued from the Raj Bhavan added.

Industries Minister Nirupam Sen, who was a member of the State government panel at the talks, said: “It was a very free and frank discussion to arrive at a solution so that industry can start its operations there as quick as possible.” Asked whether he was hopeful, he said: “I am always hopeful.”

The Tata Motors authorities announced indefinite suspension of work at the Nano car manufacturing plant on Tuesday in view of the continued confrontation and agitation at the site at Singur.

The State government is proposing a substantial economic rehabilitation package for farmers, whose land had been acquired for the project. The possibilities of providing some land to the affected farmers are also being considered and came up at the meeting.

The State government is also reportedly considering the possibility of setting up commercial stalls on more than 45 acres of land belonging to the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation and distributing them among the land losers.

The Trinamool Congress leadership has been demanding the return of 400 acres of land to those from whom it had been allegedly acquired forcibly.

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