State Commerce and Industries Minister Nirupam Sen blamed the “destructive and irresponsible movement” led by the Trinamool Congress for the pullout of the Nano project from Singur.

Addressing the media, Sen said the Tatas did not want to run the plant under police protection.

The chief minister himself had requested Ratan Tata during the meeting not to pull out of Singur. The government did not anticipate this kind of outcome, Sen remarked.

The state government did not support the decision of Ratan Tata. In other states too, people have held protests outside factories but that did not lead to their closure. But he also justified the decision of the Tata Motors. “The company has a commitment to its shareholders and bankers as well as a deadline for the rollout of the car,” he said, “so they did not want to continue with the Singur project.”

Sen admitted that the decision of the Tata Motors would have a negative impact on the overall image of the state and affect future investment. Now, it was the task of the state to revive its image.

But he assured that the withdrawal of Nano would have not effect on the other projects already in the pipeline. Tata has assured the government about the implementation of its other projects, which are under construction. He also appreciated the role of the state government and its support and cooperation, Sen said.

The Trinamool Congress and Opposition parties took a stand to disrupt the development of the state — be it industry, road projects or anything else, he said.

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