‘We’d move, whatever the cost, to protect our people’

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

: always been ahead of rest of India in water conservation projects and improving agriculture. We’ll do just the same here. I don’t think that our involvement in West Bengal starts and stops with our investment in an industrial location. In this particular case, all I can say is we leased the land that was offered to us. We believe we acquired legally.

A few say Singur deal lacks transparency. What is your take? Also, do you think that by not making the deal public, the state government is adding fuel to further tension?

I don’t believe there is a lack of transparency and don’t wish to comment on what the government is doing or not doing. I believe, for example, how we build cars is our business. How the government operates, is theirs’. I believe this whole transaction has, in the best of my knowledge, been very transparent.

Are you confident of rolling out Nano in October from Singur?

On our part, we are in a position to roll out Nano in October or close to it. However, it seems, many people desire not to see that happen. It’s very easy for people to block that from happening. We desire to see this happen and it can.

You said if violence continues, you will move. Have you set some kind of a deadline for the same?

Please understand, I am making a very genuine statement. I don’t have a motive or a plan that I am working upon. I have made a major investment here. To move would be a great loss to the company and the Tata Motors shareholders. I think also to West Bengal because I don’t know, how many Rs 1500 crore investments would be coming to the state. I’m afraid that if this untoward issue continues West Bengal doesn’t get characterised as a trouble spot in India. Where there is an urge to leave it alone and not to take the risk of investment. There is no time frame but there is a concern for our people. Of being where we are not wanted. A definite concern over people being suspicious of our motive.

Is there any plan B?

No. None at this time.

Will you accept any alternative plan just to save the project?