After weeks of retreat amid reports of his illness and resignation, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today looked refreshed and poised for a comeback as he addressed the media on the bailout plan for Infosys and Wipro, the IT majors that have now been offered prime land in Rajarhat township.

Ever since the proposed IT hub was scrapped a few days ago following the Vedic Village controversy, speculation have been rife over the fate of the units the two software giants had proposed to set up in the state.

“Initially, I was little bit upset after the Vedic Village controversy. What will we tell these two companies? I have to arrange land for them. Otherwise, we have to say, please bear with us, we cannot give you land. But things cannot go this way forever,” the CM said while announcing 45 acres land each for Wipro and Infosys. “I want the two IT companies to set up their units. Following the controversy, IT students were anxious. If the two IT companies set up their units, a large number of jobs will be generated.”

Today’s press meet was also called by the CM to send the message loud and clear that his government was still committed to setting up industries in the state.

The choice of venue for the press conference, the CPM’s state headquarters at Alimuddin Street, was deliberate — the CM usually meets the press at the Writers’ Buildings — to dispel any misgivings about the ties between the party and the government, especially on the issue of industries.

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