The government, however, is still ready for talks with the Opposition to reach a solution.

Commerce and Industries Minister Nirupam Sen told mediapersons that the law and a Supreme Court ruling do not permit restitution of land acquired for a public purpose to the owner.

So far, the landowners who did not own adjacent plots in the 1,000-acre area acquired for the project, have declined to accept the compensation offered by the government, said the minister.

“The land holdings are scattered. We will have to scrap the project if the land is returned,” Sen said.

The owners of around 390 acres are yet to claim compensation. Among them, several are willing to shift, he added.

“Alternatively, if we were to carve out some space for such land owners, the original owners of the land at the new location will want their land back,” he said.

Sen was reacting to comments made by Tata Motors Managing Director Ravi Kant on Wednesday in Mumbai following attacks by some unidentified people on a project contractor, and damage to property.

Asked how long the Tatas would continue to persist at Singur, Kant had said: “Well, we are continuing as long as our patience lasts.”

On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee said she is not worried about the “patience” of the Tatas, and the agitation of the people against the land acquisition would continue.

“Our agitation will continue till the land is returned and there is no room for negotiation,” Mamata said. Her contention is that 600 acres is enough for the project and the farmers unwilling to sell should get back their land.

Sen, on the other hand, said: “We must have a logically acceptable solution.” He said the government is ready to sit for talks but would not discuss the issue of returning the land.