Singur row threatens to overshadow Durga Puja

Tata motor's small car manufacturing project in Singur has cast a shadow over the festive spirit in Kolkata ahead of Durga Puja.

The impasse over the land acquisition controversy on Tata motor8217;s small car manufacturing project in Singur has cast a shadow over the festive spirit in Kolkata ahead of Durga Puja scheduled to begin next month.

People from various walks, including artists and filmmakers, feel dejected fearing the ongoing protests over the issue could affect the celebrations during the festival season.

Wishing to change the situation through his wand, famous magician P C Sorcar Jr said 8220;we want a quick settlement for the differences between the two sides before Ma Durga arrives. This is a time to rejoice.8221;

The wizard, who has in the past made the Taj Mahal disappear, said 8220;if possible, I would have conjured up a solution so that everyone return home with a smile but miracles don8217;t occur in real life8221;.

Describing the situation 8220;frustrating8221;, film-maker Goutam Ghose said 8220;There has been all around degeneration in Bengal politics with muscle power manifesting. Have you not seen how even our festivals are dominated by lumpen elements?8221;

8220;Singur signifies the malady which stalks Bengal. It is a tale of intolerance and muscle power. I am not sure if the problem will be resolved quickly,8221; he added.

Popular Bengali film-maker Tarun Majumder said the controversy is a 8220;sad prelude to Durga Puja8221; which is the biggest festival in the region. 8220;This is the time for everyone to look forward. Why can8217;t it be the same this year?

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Majumder asked. Blaming politicians for not finding solution, the veteran filmmaker said 8220;all such disruptions, agitations and disturbances would have gone if there were no elections for 20 years. I am saying this out of frustration.8221;

Internationally acclaimed film director Mrinal Sen also blamed politicians for not resolving the issue and asked Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to agree with the state government.

8220;I think she Mamata should agree with the government package and let the deadlock end,8221; Sen said. Sankha Ghosh said it is not a question of land-for-land demand dampening the festive spirit.

8220;For me, what is more crucial is to resolve the problem for the interest of people of the state,8221; said Ghosh who has also participated in a recent open letter campaign asking both sides to resolve the issue.

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Economist and senior columnist Abhirup Sarkar also said that apart from the impact of Puja, the uncertainty about the agitation will also have a long term effect on the economic front.

8220;But if the Tatas leave the state, it will create a negative perception about industrialisation here and it will definitely deal a great blow.8221;

However, eminent theatre personality Kaushik Sen, who had protested against the land acquisition by the government, said the problem would disappear the day the Goddess arrives.

8220;Why only Singur? The serial blasts in the country also depress us no less but it does not affect our festive spirit. This might seem odd at times. But it has its good side too,8221; Sen said.

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Endorsing Mrinal8217;s view, Kaushik said 8220;despite all the bitterness of land acquisition let us work for fruitful talks on the government8217;s package which has been possible due to the agitation.8221;

Famous classical singer Biman Mukhopadhyay also hoped the Puja will be celebrated in a tension-free atmosphere. 8220;I hope the two sides reach a consensus for the benefit of all8221;, he said.