Nandigram was a mistake: Buddha

Retail chains like Future Group’s Big Bazaar have been doing brisk business in Kolkata over the past few years, selling among other things grains and pulses, both packaged as well as loose, without any objection so far.

However, over the last couple of months, Reliance has faced intense opposition from Left constituent Forward Bloc. So much so that the retail major has put its plans on hold for want of better security.

Bhattacharjee, however, made it clear that he was not opposing retail like other parties. “We cannot and should not stop them. But we have a coalition Government and I am trying to sort out the problems in my own way. You are pushing me into a difficult position,” Bhattacharjee said, pointing to the FICCI member who wanted him to clarify the Government’s stand on retail.

“We have to move cautiously. There are so many people between farmers and consumers and we cannot allow them to lose their jobs,” he said. Bhattacharjee’s loaded comment is likely to come as a setback for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Fresh. The company has already invested nearly Rs 400 crore towards purchase of land and space for setting up the retail outlets. Several of these stores are within Kolkata.

Meanwhile, talking about the alternative site for the chemical hub at Nayachar, the Chief Minister said a final decision would be taken once the feasibility report of the expert committee of the GSI came in.