He added that there was a need to understand why Tata Motors came to the state. “The Nano project was to be a showcase plant which would have enhanced the visibility of the state, created jobs for younger citizens and through the company’s community programme would have enhanced the quality of life of the urban and rural population.”

He said that those Singur residents who are being trained would become part of the Tata Motors family. “They will be deployed in other Tata facilities. They obviously can not remain in Singur,” he said.

“Like our Prime Minister, I was hopeful for satisfactory solution until the last moment. I feel very sad,” said West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi, who had tried to broker a peace that never took shape.

Reacting to the decision, Mamata said it was a conspiracy by the West Bengal government and the Tatas to push her into a corner.

Trinamool Congress supporters in Singur are to hold a victory rally tomorrow. Banerjee also renewed her demand for return of land to the farmers.

Ratan Tata

The decision was taken with great pain. It shatters many dreams...We have to shift because of Mamata Banerjee, not because of any other reason created by the government

Buddhadeb govt

Mamata's destructive agitation drove them out...This is saddest day for the state on the eve of festivity

Mamata

Conspiracy by Tata and Buddhadeb to push me to a corner

Why this is a serious blow to Buddhadeb

• Mamata may be villain of the piece but fact is after the Nandigram bungle, the party and the govt couldn't assert themselves in Singur despite a favourable court order, despite a majority of the farmers on board.

... contd.