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Singur: War not lost, says Buddha

Last updated on: October 06, 2008 16:50 IST

Putting up a brave front after the exit of Tata's Nano project from Singur, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya on Sunday said the state government will fight and overcome the obstacles for industrialisation, observing that the state has lost one battle but not the war.

"We have lost one battle, but the war is not lost. We must fight and overcome the obstacles for going ahead. We want to raise our head again," said Bhattacharjee regretting that the pullout has sent a "serious message" across the country.

Breaking his silence over the Tata decision on Friday, he said no right-thinking person of the state had been happy with the irresponsible behaviour of the Opposition but quickly added the industrialisation process would go ahead.

The chief minister regretted why the Opposition failed to understand the need for industrialisation in the state. "They give importance to agriculture. We also give importance to agriculture in which the state has been self-sufficient. But only agriculture will not help us for further progress, it needs industrialisation for total development".

Bhattacharjee regretted the loss of job opportunities for the young people in particular who hoped for a bright future.

"A serious message has gone all over India.... Why opposition is failing to understand importance of industrialisation. But unfortunately we are facing an irresponsible opposition. It is a serious problem," he said.

Backing Bhattacharjee, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said those opposing industrialisation had put the state on reverse gear.

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