CPM finds Nayachar hub to atyachar Mamata

“Mamata Banerjee was a minister in the Union Cabinet when the SEZ Act was passed in the Parliament. We have learnt that the new government would continue its agenda of reforms. We want to see what she can do now against the SEZ proposals,” said CPM leader Mohammed Salim after attending a meeting of state secretariat members at Alimuddin Street on Friday. Sources in the party said that both Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and state Commerce and Industries Minister Nirupam Sen are apprehending Opposition’s move to prevent the Left Front government from setting up the hub.

The Trinamool had promised in its election manifesto that it would oppose the Nayachar chemical hub and will not allow SEZ in West Bengal. Banerjee has opposed the chemical hub at Nayachar on the grounds that it will adversely affect the environment.

“The Centre has approved the project after examining all aspects. How can the project be scrapped now? We are waiting for what stand Banerjee takes after assuming office in Delhi,” said a CPM leader.

Officials of the commerce and industries department are afraid that the UPA government may change its decision for political consideration.

The CPM has already asked the government to stall all projects which require land acquisition but it feels that the Nayachar project can be implemented with the assistance of the Centre.