The foundation stone-laying ceremony of Shyam Steel’s new manufacturing unit in Mejia, Bankura, turned into a politically charged event on Friday, as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a series of sharp attacks on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while outlining his government’s vision for industrial growth in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Adhikari claimed that Bengal’s industrial climate had undergone a significant transformation since the change in government and alleged that industrialists had earlier been driven away due to what he described as a culture of “syndicate raj” and extortion. He remarked that under the previous regime, businesses faced multiple layers of informal payments, discouraging investment and prompting several companies to consider relocating to other states.
Taking a direct dig at Mamata, the Chief Minister mockingly invited her to visit the newly announced plant, offering to arrange a government helicopter for the purpose.
“Now you have plenty of time. Come and take a look inside this plant. Just let me know, I will arrange a government helicopter for you,” Adhikari said.
He also criticised her past remarks referring to non-Bengali industrialists as “Bahari” (outsiders), arguing that such rhetoric was counterproductive to the state’s development. Referring to the facilities planned within the project, including religious structures and installations honouring cultural icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose, he urged that industrial initiatives should not be viewed through a divisive lens.
Adhikari further asserted that had the current government not come to power, many industrialists would have shifted their operations to neighbouring states such as Odisha. He claimed that within a short period since assuming office, multiple corporate groups had already expressed interest in investing in West Bengal, signalling what he described as the beginning of a new phase of industrialisation.
He announced that the state’s industrial expansion would be driven under the leadership of Industry Minister Tapas Roy, and highlighted several major projects in the pipeline. Among them is a proposed port project near Tajpur, where the Adani Group has reportedly shown interest in developing infrastructure over a large land parcel in the Dadonpatrabari area.
The Chief Minister also spoke about plans to establish a 2,000-bed international-standard hospital in a new township near Tajpur. According to him, half of the beds would be reserved for free treatment of underprivileged patients, while the remaining would be operated commercially.
In addition, he mentioned that industrialist Sanjiv Goenka has agreed to set up key projects in the state, including a battery manufacturing plant. Another major project by a commercial entity is expected to be inaugurated in Haringhata ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja.
Concluding his address, Adhikari emphasised that his government is committed to eliminating corruption and creating a business-friendly environment, asserting that Bengal is now firmly on the path of renewed industrial growth.
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