West Bengal Governor postpones Singur talks

LOOKING FOR SOLUTION: Bengal CM demanded that Trinamool withdraw its agitation before the talks.

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Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi's talks with the representatives of the state government and those from Trinamool Congress-led Krishi Jami Jiban O Jeebika Raksha Committee for resolving the Singur deadlock has been postponed to 1600 hrs IST Friday evening following a request by the state government.

Governor Gandhi has also requested former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Chittatosh Mukherjee to provide legal advice at the meeting.

The Governor said he was facilitating atmosphere conducive to a dialogue and that the law of the land has to be maintained.

"I am confident of a solution," he added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has also demanded that Trinamool should withdraw its agitation before the talks.

"I have asked the Opposition to suspend their agitation and open both sides of the highway till the time talks are going on. The Governor has rightly decided to hold back the talks till his requests are adhered to by the Opposition. We are ready with papers to sit for the talks at 4 pm. The Opposition should respond to the Governor's request. Haven’t spoken to Ratan Tata for the past one week. I will be present at the meeting if the Governor desires," Buddhadeb said.

The Governor's decision to chair the meeting came following requests from Buddhadeb and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee to mediate personally to find a solution to the deadlock that threatened to derail TATAs Nano car project.

The government meanwhile is proposing a new compensation package to all farmers who gave up their land for the Nano plant.

It means not just the 2200 families who have lost their lands and have raised a banner of revolt but also the 13,000 families who willingly gave up plots will be benefitted.

The Left Front government also hopes that the new deal will save the Nano project.

The outcome, however, is still not certain with Mamata insisting on a land for land formula, which means those who have given up land will have to be given alternate plots.

On the other hand, TATA Motors maintains it will roll out the Nano on time.