To counter CPM,Mamata promises her own ‘global’ Nandigram

Promising to transform Nandigram into an “industrial park and international market” to create thousands of jobs,Mamata offered residents a comprehensive industrial “package” that would ensure the development of what she called the “land of freedom.”

Three years ago,Bhattacharjee had talked of his proposal to turn this poor,backward region into a Special Economic Zone with a “petrochemical hub” at its core considering its proximity to Haldia where several petrochemical factories are already in operation including the Haldia refinery complex,Mitsubishi Chemicals and Tata Chemicals. Jobs for locals was also his rallying cry.

Until,of course,the issue got caught in vicious CPM vs Trinamool politics with even fake land acquisition notices being used to drum up opposition and CPM cadres unleashing a wave of political violence in a bid to reclaim their rapidly eroding turf.

Aware of this,Mamata underlined that her industrial blueprint for Nandigram was such that “agricultural land will not be forcibly taken away and both industry and agriculture will flourish simultaneously.” How she planned to do this was,of course,too complicated to explain in an election rally.

So while Bhattacharjee and his Industries Minister Nirupam Sen talked about the need for a chemical hub,Mamata mentioned railway projects,coach factories,industrial parks,and an “international market to promote local and regional possibilities and opportunities.”

She mentioned plans of a coach factory in Haldia,a Burn Standard Railway factory in Jellingham in Nandigram and a rail link to Nandigram,too. Her “international market” would be one that would showcase “the zari and jewellery works” of hundreds of local,skilled artisans who are “forced to migrate to other states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.”

Nayachar,a river island — that was earmarked by the Left Front government as the alternative venue for the chemical hub — will be an eco-friendly industrial zone revolving round fishermen and tourism,she said.

“Your sons and family members will no more have to travel out of your homes,” said Mamata. “In fact,I am going to give employment to 10 lakh youths across West Bengal when I come to power,” she said,to thunderous applause.

She also invoked Nandigram’s role in her own political journey — how the violence and the police firing there backfired for the Left and intensified public anger.

“I salute the land of freedom and the land that has made ‘parivartan’ in Bengal a reality. Nandigram is the other name of Sangram (struggle). It has taught the people of Bengal how to stand up to the politics of terror and of violence. It has shown the way how to face the CPM’s guns,” she said. “If I ever look for a permanent shelter of mine,it will surely be in Nandigram.”