As the main Opposition leader in West Bengal Mamata Banerjee had spearheaded land movement in the state which had forced the Tata Motors to relocate its Nano factory at Sanand in Gujarat from Singur in West Bengal. Ms Banerjee’s consistent movement had also forced the state government to scrap its proposed chemical hub
at Nandigram. These two developments had spread enough negative perception about West Bengal to the industrialists who wanted to set up their facilities here. However, following the Trinamul Congress-Congress alliance’s landslide victory in the 2011 Assembly elections, the city corporates are all praise for Ms Banerjee who was earlier branded by the CPI(M) as “anti-industry and anti-development”.
“Ms Banerjee’s agitation was against the forcible land acquisition. I don’t think that it would cast any major shadow to bring investment in West Bengal,” Ambuja Realty chairman Harsh Neotia said on being asked whether the Trinamul Congress’ win would block the capital inflow to Bengal. The Trinamul Congress in its poll manifesto promised that it would create massive employment through development of the manufacturing sector as well as develop a chain of industrial towns across the state. It also promised to give focus on public-private-partnerships. Keeping the dominance of the SMEs in the industrial sector in the state, the Trinamul Congress has also promised a series of initiatives for their growth. “If she can implement at least 50 per cent of the poll promises, it would be fantastic for the state. In addition, since the Trinamul Congress is also part of the government at the Centre, many problems like coal linkages etc, being faced by industries in the state will be resolved,” Biswadeep Gupta, joint managing director, JSW Bengal Steel said.
It is expected that Ms Banerjee will face stiff challenges from the CPI(M) in implementing her promises for the industries.
“Land is required for setting up any industrial unit and it will be interesting to see how she handles this issue without touching the agriculture land,” a city corporate said.
The industries is also looking forward to see the work culture in the state under Ms Banerjee’s regime, especially when Bengal has the bad reputation globally for issues like bandh, disruption and militant trade unionism.
“The 2011 voting is an eye-opener to the rest of world, creating new confidence in Bengal. Now is the time for business to put its best foot forward and help our new leader build a better Bengal,” Sanjiv Goenka, vice-chairman, RPG Enterprises said.