Almost as if bursting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's bubble, ex-Infosys director Mohandas Pai urged the state to revamp its image, for investors to consider contributing to its industrial growth.
Soon after Mamata had painted a rosy picture of West Bengal as far as ease of doing business is concerned, Pai, on the sidelines of the same event, said that Bengal requires an urgent image overhaul to attract investors.
Pai, however, did recognise that the present government has been doing its bit to push the growth of the state. "West Bengal has to first change its image first. The change of image is happening now, but it needs to be seen whether this change is sustainable or not," he said. He added that the entire eastern region would suffer if Bengal did not grow. Referring to the Tata Motors abandoning Bengal, he said, “Had the Tatas come to Bengal, the state could have become an automobile centre. What happened in Singur was a big setback for the state,” he said and was quick to add, “I am personally impressed with what is happening at the moment.”
He said that big investors needed to come here and become anchor investors. He also criticised the Left Front for opposing industrialisation, which, he said could have catalysed the state's recognition as an industrial base.
Addressing the Horasis Asia meet, the CM said, “During the 34 years of Left Front era, the state secured the 30th slot in terms of ease of doing business. Three years ago, it was at number 15, and now, it is number 3 in India. Bengal is emerging as an industrial destination. We maintain the best of relation with industry stalwarts, the working class and the citizens of the state. We also have our own infrastructural facilities.”
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