Bengal to set up new industry at Nano site

The disputed 997.11 acres were acquired in October 2006 for Tata Motors8217; Nano project. However, the project had to be relocated following an extended agitation by the Trinamool Congress.

Welcoming the government8217;s move, the CPM district secretariat decided to support the plan to set up a new industry in Singur. District committee member Bolai Sabui said, 8220;Tatas will not return to Singur. It is better to find other industrial houses, which are keen to set up an industry on that site8221;.

He added, 8220;The land cannot be returned to the dispossessed farmers of Singur. Locals want an industry on that site8221;.

Reacting to the government8217;s statement, Mamata Banerjee insisted that the state government had to return the land to the farmers before proceeding with any plans. 8220;The CPM cannot carry on its zamindari. They have to first return the land, and then a global tender should be floated inviting industries. Then only another industry can come up in the area,8221; she said.

Banerjee also said since the Tatas had announced the pullout from Singur, they should immediately return the loan of Rs 200 crore that was given to them. 8220;It is the money of the common man. We want it back in our state,8221; she said.

Trinamool leaders of Singur hinted that the party could start a fresh protest in the town demanding return of land to farmers.