Exiting Singur as have promises to keep: Ratan Tata

Tata Motors had constructed the plant over the past two years, despite continued agitation, hostility and continuous effect on the reputation and integrity of the Tata Group also. Tata Motors almost reached a start up position of the plant. However, the heightened hostility and agitation had caused the commissioning and start up phase to be suspended. The contract labour had also been intimated and assaulted, thus making it impossible to continue. Tata Motors had suspended work for an entire month on the plant. Unfortunately, there was no de-escalation in the level of hostility and agitation. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and those supporting them, continue to demand a part of the land to be returned to the farmers by the Government, which would render the project unviable.

Speaking to the press about his decision, Ratan Tata said that he was hoping for some understanding and reduction in agitation but agitation increased in the last two years. "We have faced enormous disruption and intimidation. We have taken the regretful decision to move the Nano project out of West Bengal and do not see any change in the horizon in West Bengal. We have moved the project out of West Bengal as we have timelines to meet and promises to keep but we have not lost any enthusiasm for the project."

Ratan Tata said that he is forced by situation not from the government but circumstances on the ground. "It is an extremely painful decision and has shattered many dreams but there was no other option. We are leaving because of Mamata Banerjee agitation, not because of the state government. We cannot run a plan under police protection, bombs being thrown and intimidation but we parted as friends and will continue to look at West Bengal even if Nano project couldn't work out there."

Ratan Tata said that he has taken the decision keeping in mind our responsibilities to shareholders. "We will include West Bengal in future plans for Tatas. We truly believe and respect what the Chief Minister is trying to do in developing West Bengal. We assured the Chief Minister that this will not hurt further Tata Projects in West Bengal."

Ratan Tata said that Nano will come on committed time. "We will soon announce about new locations for Nano and are looking for congenial environment to set up Nano plant. We will make makeshift arrangements to meet the Nano deadline. We are yet to evaluate the financial losses in moving out of West Bengal. We will try and relocate those we have trained for the Nano project in other locations."

Ratan Tata said that the vendors are an integral part of process. "We will do everything we can to make vendors move with us and will protect them to the extent we can."

Ratan Tata did not want to comment on manner in which the land was acquired and on how land already allotted will be used. He believes land was acquired legally and under a transparent process.