Fresh investments in Bengal only after hostility ends: Tata

His remarks came after shareholders continued to pose questions on investments in the state in the changed circumstances when a new government was at the helm of affairs. Tata said investments in the state would come when opportunities are right.

On the Nano small car project in Singur,from where the company pulled out in October 2008 after stiff opposition from villagers and the Trinamool Congress,Tata said the plant was set up because of a feeling for the state as this part of the country was ignored and not because of any ulterior motive.

He said the small car factory would have brought about development in the region. I think we would have created about 8,000 jobs in and around the region if the plant were fully operational. So I think it was good for the state. We would not have exploited anybody who did not wish to participate in it, Tata said.

Referring to the Rs 300-crore Tata Cancer Hospital as a reflection of their affection to the state,he said the company had nothing against West Bengal. On the litigation between Tata Motors and the state government before the Calcutta High Court over 997 acres of land in Singur,Tata said he should not make a statement since the matter was sub judice. He,however,went on to say that there is an ordinance enacted (Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Bill) and we have said that allocation of land should not be done before the court decides the matter.