Selection of land in Singur was wrong, says Partha

Asks Chamber members to vow not to move Court

West Bengal Industries minister Pratha Chatterjee today said the selection of land for the now abandoned Tata Motors car plant at Singur was wrong and hoped that the court will hear the plea of the people.

"The way Singur land was earmarked for industry was wrong. This wrong was committed by the government (previous Left Front government)," said Chatterjee at the sidelines of a programme.

The erstwhile Left Front government had earmarked 1000 acres at Singur for the Nano car plant but the acquisition of the multi-crop land from unwilling farmers was one of the reasons for its poll debacle after a long stint of 34 years in power.

Addressing the programme, he hoped that Supreme Court would listen to the plea of the people of Singur over the decision by the state government to return the land to the unwilling farmers, which has been challenged by the Tatas.

"Though the matter is subjudice, but still I hope that those who were unwilling (to part with their land) should get back their land. We had made an act ... It is now pending before the Supreme Court for a decision and we are hopeful that the court will do justice to the people's voice," said Chatterjee.

Referring to Tata Motor's decision to move court when Trinamool Congress government was for taking back the unused land from the Tatas in Singur, Chatterjee said "The problem in Bengal is not land but infrastructure. We can use the land of the closed factories. We have more than 20000 acres in closed industries." "Let all chambers of commerce take a vow that none of their members will move to court if the state tries to take back the land of closed industries and gives it to other industries. Let us use the land which is available," Chatterjee added.