As the TMC wrapped up its final political show of strength before the 2026 Assembly Elections with the annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, one name from the past loomed large but remained conspicuously unaddressed — Singur. Once the epicenter of the land rights movement that helped propel Mamata Banerjee to power, Singur’s farmers and residents had hoped that this year’s rally would finally bring a definitive announcement — either a revival of agriculture or the arrival of an industry. But no such promise came.
Despite speeches charged with emotion, fiery political rhetoric and declarations of upcoming movements, Singur was once again left without a roadmap, reinforcing a growing sense of disillusionment among many of those who once stood on the front lines of the historic protest that drove Tata Motors out of Bengal in 2008.
“We gave our land, we fought and many sacrificed. Yet, even after all these years, we have no crops, and no factories. This rally was our last hope for a clear direction, but it brought us nothing,” said Sahadev Kole, a local farmer pointing at the vast land, where once Tata had set up its Nano factory, now weeds run wild.
While leaders and workers from across Bengal converged on Kolkata in buses and trains, Singur too mobilised — under the leadership of state minister and Haripal MLA Becharam Manna.
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Once the epicenter of the anti-land acquisition movement against Tata Motors' Nano project, Singur continues to carry the legacy of sacrifice and struggle. The Martyrs’ Pillar at Singher Bheri stands as a symbol of that resistance. But for many local farmers, the movement’s goals — whether agricultural or industrial — remain unrealised.
Manoranjan Malik, the father of Tapasi Malik — the young girl who became the face of the movement after her charred body was found — echoed his continued emotional connection with the cause. "My daughter was martyred. Her sacrifice hasn’t received justice yet. But we still support Didi. People in Singur still believe in her," he said.
However, discontent brews under the surface.
Dudhkumar Dhara, a once-prominent face of the Singur movement, expressed frustration and anger. “I am no longer interested in Martyrs’ Day. Manna claims 92 per cent of the land has been cultivated — that’s a lie. Barely 30 per cent is usable. Honest farmers have been sidelined. Land mafias are thriving. Bring Tata, Birla — bring anyone — but start some industry. We owe this to our future generations,” said Dhara.
Dhara’s comments highlight a growing divide among the movement’s original leaders — many of whom feel disillusioned with the current leadership’s handling of Singur’s future.
Responding to the criticism, Manna said, “This 21st July was extremely important for us before the 2026 elections. Most of the land has already been returned and cultivated. Work is progressing on the remaining portions.”
He acknowledged that while some land is still non-cultivable, arrangements are being fast-tracked. “People have faith in Mamata Banerjee and that’s not going to change. She is and will remain Bengal’s Chief Minister.”
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