‘We Will Bring Back Tata’: BJP’s Shamik Bhattacharya Bets Big On Bengal’s Industrial Revival

The BJP has renewed its focus on industrialisation in West Bengal, with state president Shamik Bhattacharya declaring that bringing the Tata Group back to the state is one of the party’s key objectives.

Speaking on the sidelines of a chamber of commerce programme in Kolkata on Friday, Bhattacharya said the BJP government is working to restore investor confidence and send a clear message that Bengal is open to business. “We will bring back Tata. This is a challenge for us,” he said.

The remarks have once again revived debate around industrial development in the state and the legacy of Tata Motors’ exit from Singur nearly two decades ago.

‘All industrialists are welcome’

Speaking to News18, Bhattacharya said the state’s future should take priority over political differences.

“We

will bring back Tata. This is a challenge for us. We want to give a message that all industrialists are welcome. The state’s future is much bigger than anybody’s ego. Our Chief Minister is also working on it, keeping in touch with the central leadership. From the Finance Minister to the Prime Minister, everyone is working on this,” he said.

During an interaction with industrialists, he reiterated that Tata’s departure from Bengal had sent out a negative signal to investors. “Tata’s exit had sent out a negative message. We are trying to bring Tata back to Bengal,” he said.

The BJP leadership has repeatedly identified industrialisation and investment as major priorities for the state’s economy. Bhattacharya has regularly highlighted the need for an industry-friendly environment during meetings with business groups and chambers of commerce.

Shadow of Singur lingers

The discussion inevitably returns to Singur, one of the most significant industrial and political controversies in Bengal’s recent history. In October 2008, Tata Motors formally withdrew its Nano car project from Singur after months of protests over land acquisition led by Mamata Banerjee.

At the time, the Nano factory was projected as a major industrial project that could transform the state’s manufacturing landscape.

Following its exit from Bengal, Tata Motors shifted the project to Gujarat.

The departure of Tata Motors also produced one of the most remembered statements in Bengal’s industrial history. Late industrialist Ratan Tata had sharply criticised the political situation surrounding the project.

“If you hold a gun to my head, either you pull the trigger or take the gun away as I will not move my head. Mamata has pulled the trigger,” he had said while announcing the company’s exit. The remark came to symbolise the bitter dispute that surrounded the Singur project and its eventual collapse.

Rebuilding Bengal’s investment image

Industry observers have long argued that Tata Motors’ departure damaged Bengal’s reputation as an investment destination and strengthened perceptions that the state was not supportive of large industrial projects.

The BJP now appears determined to reverse that image by presenting Bengal as a state ready to welcome investment and industrial expansion.

The party leadership has also highlighted future industrial initiatives, including projects involving Amul, as part of broader efforts to attract businesses.

The political significance of Singur also remains strong. During recent elections, several residents and farmers from the area expressed dissatisfaction over how the movement unfolded, with some saying their economic conditions had not improved despite political changes.

If the Tata Group eventually returns to Bengal, whether in Singur or another location, it is likely to be projected by the state government as a major political and economic achievement.