Buddha’s new mantra: Hate corruption

Bhattacharjee, in his second term as chief minister, had barely sat down in his office after the swearing-in, when Tata flew down to Kolkata in between board meetings to gift the state the country’s most keenly-watched project.

Accompanied by the chiefs of three major companies of his group, he said the group has decided to locate the manufacturing plant near Singur town in Hooghly district.

Why West Bengal? “West Bengal is one of the most investor friendly states in the country. I think someone has to turn this view into reality,” he said. The Rs 1,000-crore project, together with a proposed Rs 250-crore expansion by a subsidiary at Kharagpur to make earthmoving equipment, “significantly” increases the Tata’s stake in West Bengal.

Bhattacharjee said the government will acquire the required 1,000 acres and hand it over within a few months. The main plant would require 700 acres, and the vendors around 300 acres.

Meanwhile, the new Left government, led by VS Achuthanadan, was sworn in on Thursday. VS, as Chief Minister, has been divested of several key portfolios, including Home. He will now hold Public Administration and a few insignificant departments.