This refers to the article, “lessons from Singur and Sanand” (May 2) by Jitendra K Das. The Tata Nano plant in Singur was supposed to be set up in the green rice belt, thereby posing a severe threat to not only the farmer’s land but also their livelihood. On the other hand, the Sanand unit was established on the barren lands of Gujarat Agricultural University. Since neither land nor livelihood was at stake in Gujarat, there was no question of protest.
Moreover, ever since the Tata Nano plant was established in Sanand, the city has seen a drastic change. But the fact remains that despite a pro-BJP wave, the party has suffered defeats. This because the much-hyped ‘development’ of Gujarat remains a monopoly of the industrialists and the upper class. History tells that controversies surrounding land versus industry continue to be a war of sorts. The process of industrialisation should be pro-people, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee holds every right to woo industry by remaining concerned about the interest of the land losers.