Paul visits Singur, tells villagers not to miss the industrial bus

Even as he said this while visiting the controversial project site at Singur, members of the Krishi Jomi Raksha Committee, led by the

Trinamool Congress, staged a protest and waved black flags.

Paul also met Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at the Writers’ Buildings.

“People understand that the only way you can find jobs for children and grandchildren is through industry. China has done it marvellously. There is no reason why India cannot do it,” he told reporters after meeting Bhattacharjee.

“The Chief Minister is very forthcoming. He is a very open man and down-to-earth,” Paul said when asked about Bhattacharjee’s personality. He invited the chief minister to visit United Kingdom . During the hour-long discussion, besides issues like industry and commerce, education, culture and terrorism also featured.

“We are very impressed with West Bengal. Its growth is third highest in India. It gives us confidence. We will be able to tell people (when we return) what we felt about the state,” he added.

During his visit to Singur, Paul performed the bhumi-puja ceremony for his Caparo Group’s Rs 120-crore ancillary unit.

Of the 55 ancillary units, over a half have already come up. Caparo’s ancillary unit, which will be built on a 30-acre plot, will be supplying 10 per cent of the total components required for the Rs one-lakh car of the Tata Motors.

“It’s a great project and I am fully satisfied with it. Our plant will be ready by the time the Tata Motors project is ready,” he told mediapersons at the project site. The Speaker of the state Assembly, Hasim Abdul Halim, accompanied Paul to Singur.

“Not only the people of Singur but their children also will benefit from the project. They should not let go this great opportunity,” he added.