‘Will bring back Tatas to Bengal’: CM Suvendu Adhikari unveils industrial revival push

Speaking at a press conference marking the 12th anniversary of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Adhikari said West Bengal was ready to reclaim its position as a major industrial destination and create employment opportunities for thousands of young people.

“We will bring back the Tatas in Bengal,” the Chief Minister said.

Adhikari's remarks referred to Tata Motors’ decision to shift its Nano car project from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in Gujarat in 2008.

The project was relocated following a prolonged controversy over land acquisition, which triggered widespread protests in Singur.

The agitation, led by Mamata Banerjee and supported by several opposition parties, became a defining moment in the state's political landscape.

The exit of Tata Motors is widely regarded as one of the most significant industrial setbacks in West Bengal's recent history.

BJP govt promises industry-friendly environment

The Chief Minister accused both the previous CPI(M)-led Left Front government and the Trinamool Congress administration of pursuing policies that damaged investor confidence.

He alleged that past governments relied on forcible land acquisition and focused more on publicity than on creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Adhikari said his government would avoid repeating the mistakes that led to the Singur and Nandigram land movements while creating a favourable environment for investors.

“We are getting investment proposals from investors, but we have to check their credentials, whether they have any bank or land fraud cases against them, or if they were involved in any money laundering disputes, before we go ahead with setting up of the industries in the State,” he said.

He added, “We have already formed a special team led by the State industry secretary to look after the issues.”

New roadmap for industrial rejuvenation

The announcement comes shortly after senior BJP leader and Maniktala MLA Tapas Roy assumed charge as the state's industries minister.

After taking over the department earlier this week, Roy held discussions with senior officials to develop a roadmap to revive industrial activity across West Bengal.

Roy said attracting major industrial houses would be among the government's top priorities.

“Our priority is to make the State industry-friendly for investments. My first consideration will be to bring back the Tatas in a big way in the State. The situation created by the previous Trinamool Congress government was pathetic. We want to send a strong message that Bengal is ready for industry once again,” he said.

Focus on employment and investment

The government said it intends to generate large-scale employment by encouraging fresh investments from domestic and global companies.

According to Roy, efforts will also be made to reconnect with entrepreneurs and industrial units that relocated their operations outside West Bengal over the years.

He said the administration would seek to bring back more than 6,500 enterprises and entrepreneurs that had shifted their businesses to other states.

The proposed industrial revival strategy aims to restore investor confidence, support new projects, and expand employment across multiple sectors.

Singur’s lasting political impact

The departure of Tata Motors from Singur in 2008 had a far-reaching impact on West Bengal politics.

The controversy weakened the Left Front government, which had ruled the state for more than three decades, and contributed to the rise of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.

The TMC went on to defeat the Left Front in the 2011 Assembly elections and formed the government in the state.

With the BJP government now outlining a fresh industrial agenda, the return of major corporate groups such as the Tata Group has emerged as a key component of its economic strategy for West Bengal.