Ratan Tata hints at car plant in West Bengal

"..There is no friendliness at the political level, but there is at the people level. The people are always friendly.

...Only when there is friendliness at the political level, we will think of it. We are an Indian group. We have no bias and prejudice. The group will not walk away from Bengal," Tata said.

He was responding to questions from shareholders relating to the abandoned Nano car factory at Singur at the AGM of Tata Global Beverages shareholders here.

In his last appearance as chairman of Tata Global Beverages (formerly Tata Tea), he said there was no bias or prejudice in his group companies.

 

"Who knows, there could be a Tata Motor factory somewhere in West Bengal... We are an Indian group. There is no bias, no prejudice. Not at all. The group will not walk away from Bengal," he said.

Tata, who seemed emotional in his address to shareholders, said "Singur is something which does not anger me, but a sense of sadness as we could not bring it here".

Flanked by Executive Deputy Chairman of Tata Sons Cyrus Mistry and new managing director of Tata Global Beverages Harish Bhat, Tata said the Singur case was sub judice. "We will honour the outcome and respect the wishes of the West Bengal government".

Tata Motors had to abandon the car project in 2008 following intense political unrest.

Tata said that he had affinity for the people of West Bengal for their warmth and affection. (MORE)