Ex-SIAM chiefs ask political parties to settle Singur issue

Former presidents of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers have asked political parties to resolve the Singur impasse saying it would be an unfortunate event if the Tatas were forced to pull out the 'Nano' project from West Bengal.

Former presidents of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers have asked political parties to resolve the Singur impasse saying it would be an unfortunate event if the Tatas were forced to pull out the 'Nano' project from West Bengal.

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"All political parties need to come together to ensure that this project happens. It would be really unfortunate if circumstances continue in this manner and the Tatas are forced to pull out," Hero Honda Motors Chairman and SIAM former president Brijmohan Lall said in a statement.

The Nano project reflected Ratan Tata's deep commitment to West Bengal and more importantly demonstrated his resolve to keep a promise, he added.

Expressing similar sentiments, another former president of SIAM and former Maruti Managing Director Jagdish Khattar said, "For every additional car that rolls out of the factory, five jobs would be created."

Also, the presence of the project in Singur would not only lead to development of the state but would also produce a new demand centre for local products and agricultural products, Khattar added.

"Return of 300-400 acres of land, which are spread all over the Tata land, is, I understand, impossible," Bajaj, who was also former SIAM President, said.

On behalf of the farmers, Banerjee should accept an alternate piece of equivalent size of fertile land and an increase in the monetary compensation, which Tatas has offered, he said.