Choose jobs or lawlessness, Tata to West Bengal
17th October 2008
Two weeks after he moved out the Nano plant from West Bengal, Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata has warned the state of the consequences of letting history repeat itself and asked a series of searing questions in an open letter explaining why he was compelled to withdraw the Nano project.
In a letter published in Kolkata newspapers, Tata said, "The people of West Bengal, particularly the younger citizens, will need to express their views and aspirations as to what they would like to see West Bengal become in the years ahead. Would they like to support the present government of Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee or would they like to see the state consumed by a destructive political environment of confrontation, agitation, violence and lawlessness?"
Tata also reminded Bengal of the situation 30 years ago adding, "Agitation and violence drove away many industries around 30 years ago, and it has only been in recent times that the present government has been able to rebuild the confidence of investors to invest in the state. It is therefore ironic that, at this crucial time and moment of hope for the state, history appears to be repeating itself."
In the letter, Tata named Mamata Banerjee and referred to "confrontative actions" taken by the Trinamool Congress and supported by "vested interests and certain political parties" that disrupted work at the plant.
Source: Times of India