Buddha firm on industrialisation

minister lambasted the Oppostion for trying to stall all developmental projects in the state and driving away the Tatas. 8220;The Opposition is not talking logically. I ask them who benefitted when the Tatas left Singur? They are saying they will once again till the land. But, we are sure to set up industry there,8221; he said.

8220;We will not stop the industrialisation process in Bengal. It is our future. The Tatas have gone, but we will set up industry in Singur. Barasat Raichak Expressway will be set up. It could not be done in Nandigram, but the SEZ will come up in Nayachar,8221; said Bhattacharjee.

He was addressing a huge gathering of people in a district, where a number of projects are stuck up due to the agitation by farmers against land acquisition. He referred to a thermal power project in Baruipur, which would require 250 acres. 8220;There are some problems, but we will resolve these. We will also bring seven new educational institutions here,8221; he said.

Bhattacharjee added that there are divisive forces working in the state, be it in Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, West Midnapore, Bankura or Purulia. 8220;Why should there be divisions in our state? Darjeeling and Siliguri should stay together. Muslims, Nepalis and Adivasis have always stayed together in the state,8221; he said.

Speaking on the recent panchayat elections, the chief minister said his party will have to reach the people who did not vote for the Left Front. 8220;We did not do well in the panchayat elections. We accept that. It is true that a section of people have moved away from us. But we have to go to the villages to bring these people back. Industrialisation is necessary for farmers as the future of their educated children is at stake,8221; he added.