Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Singur drama

The drama in Singur, West Bengal, over the acquisition of land for Tata Motors' new automobile plant is another instance of development hindered by politics. This is not to say farmland should be given to Tata Motors. But politicians should allow a reasonable solution to emerge. The people who are directly affected by the acquisition should be asked what they want. Politicking over development issues sends a negative message to the rest of the world, which is looking quite hopefully at India.

Bharat Khandelwal,
Ujjain, M.P.

The acquisition of farmland for the industrial project is condemnable. There are acres of barren land throughout the State that can be used to set up industries.

P. Rajesh,
Hyderabad

The issue has come in handy for the Opposition to put the Government in the dock. But instead of having a healthy discussion, the Opposition seems to be satisfied with stalling Parliament. It has accused the West Bengal Government of being anti-farmer. It would appear that those who are in power are anti-people and the Opposition members alone have concern for the poor. But the fact is crores of rupees of the taxpayers' money is invested in conducting Parliament. And by forcing frequent adjournments, the Opposition is harming the interests of the people to whom it is accountable.

Bijay Shankar Patel,
Dhenkanal, Orissa

The Singur issue has exposed the BJP's double standards. While in Gujarat, the party opposes Medha Patkar tooth and nail for spearheading the Narmada Bachao Andolan fighting for the thousands of families displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Project, it is on her side in Singur.

This project will make India competitive in the global market, provide employment to thousands, and help the common people own cheaper cars. Just because the project is coming up in a CPI (M)-ruled State, the BJP is ready to take a diametrically opposite stand.

S.T. Daniel,
Chennai

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