Today, seven industry associations and chambers of commerce reiterated their concern over the "continued disruptions" which are "severely affecting" mega projects in West Bengal.
"The frequent and recently intensified disturbances are not only delaying the projects but are showing the state in a poor light," the chambers said, without naming the Tatas, Singur or any party.
But the chambers also took a dig at the ruling CPM for the bandhs organised by it and its labour wing, the CITU.
They said the disruptions, coupled with the "persisting bandh culture" can cruelly wipe out the positive image which West Bengal has been able to create vis-à-vis its industrial regeneration.
While Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress has threatened to launch a month-long agitation outside the Singur factory from August 24, the CPM has called a general strike on August 20 on various pet issues.
With the October rollout date approaching, Mamata has stepped up her one-point campaign: that the government return the land of those farmers who are yet to accept their compensation for the acquisition completed in 2006.
At Singur, Opposition workers are threatening the staff of contractors at the project site, even as Tata Motors said 75 per cent of the work is complete.
The statement was issued by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Indian Industry’s local wing, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants Chamber of Commerce and the Oriental Chamber of Commerce. The Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry had voiced similar concern separately yesterday. Backing Bhattacharjee’s call to Opposition for talks, the Chambers said: “We appreciate that both agriculture and industry have important roles to play in the developmental process. If there is any dispute, we firmly believe that it can be sorted out amicably.” The Trinamool was quick to dismiss the statement as a document crafted at the CPM’s Alimuddin Street state headquarters. Partha Chatterjee, Leader of the Opposition and a corporate executive turned legislator, said: “We shall not budge an inch from our stand.” Bhattacharjee and Commerce & Industries Minister Nirupam Sen repeatedly said it will not be possible physically to return the scattered plots of the 1000-odd acres acquired without scrapping the Rs 1000-crore project.