"An atmosphere has been created against acquisition of land. But industry, roads, railway lines and ports cannot be constructed in the sky, it has to come up on land," Mukherjee told the Annual General Meeting of Bharat Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata.

In an obvious reference to agitation by main Opposition Trinamool Congress against land acquisitions in Nandigram and Singur, he said both ruling and opposition parties have a role to play in the development of an economy.

"Today's Opposition may be the ruling party tomorrow and the ruling party may be in the Opposition. They (Opposition) think when they come to power, they will solve everything with a magic wand. From my little experience, I can say it is not possible. We should not say anything where we have to eat our own words when we come to power," he said. Criticising such agitation, he said the prime minister had ordered the widening of NH 34, but even survey work could not be completed because of opposition to it.

Mukherjee said, "we cannot shirk our responsibility whether (we are) in the ruling or Opposition party. We are part of the same system."

On the industrial growth and opportunities in the state, Mukherjee said the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government has a "positive approach" to industry.

Describing the city as a gateway to the 'Look East policy', he said the area would be immensely benefitted if there was greater interaction with ASEAN counrtries.