Barely 24-hours after Trinamool Congress (TMC) stormed into the Writers Building ending 34 years of the Left rule, the focus has shifted to the big question ?What next?? Mamata Banerjee held informal meetings with some of her party colleagues on Saturday to chart the road ahead and put into execution some of the plans highlighted in the TMC manifesto.
Economists and industrialists told FE that while the electorate would be largely impatient for seeing tangible results of the ?poribartan? they have voted for, the government has already struck the right chords by making its intent very clear. Professor of Economics at the prestigious Indian Statistical Institute Abhirup Sarkar said, ?The new government has made a commitment and the fact that something has been promised so clearly signals a good intention and sends across a positive message to the investors.?
Another noted industrialist of the state who did not wish to be named said that the perfect opportunity had presented itself for the new government to reopen contentious issues of land acquisition and lend a friendly hand to big industrial houses including Tata Motors and Reliance Industries.
Amit Mitra, touted to be the next state finance minister told FE ,?I have made it clear (to India Inc) that serious conversation would happen when you will tell me that you are investing in Bengal and spending on CSR projects.?
Pawan K Ruia, chairman of Ruia group said that the government would have to invest time in changing the broad perceptions of the State as well. ?West Bengal has all the elements to become an industrially superior state. It has a sound low-cost market and boasts of a strong traditional industry here as well,? he said. According to Ruia the government should provide tax sops to industries to attract investments.