Singur remains one of the most defining chapters in West Bengal’s political history. The movement against land acquisition for the Tata Motors factory played a crucial role in ending the Left Front’s decades-long rule and paved the way for Mamata Banerjee’s rise to power. Eighteen years after the Tata factory shut down amid a fierce political battle between the Left and the Trinamool Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Singur on January 18.
No New Factory In The Area
Much has changed since Tata Motors exited Singur. No new factory has come up in the area, and in 2016, the Supreme Court declared the land acquisition illegal. Following the verdict, the West Bengal government returned the acquired land to farmers. Attempts were made to restore the land for agriculture by dismantling factory structures and removing concrete slabs. However, progress has remained limited. Out of the total 997 acres, only about 300 acres have been made cultivable so far. Locals claim that nearly all land in the Sinher Bheri and Bajemelia mouzas remains unfit for cultivation, leaving vast stretches unused and livelihoods uncertain.
Unemployment Fuels Hope For Industry
Now, as Singur once again becomes a political focal point ahead of the Assembly elections, residents are pinning their hopes on the Prime Minister’s visit. Many believe the region has paid a heavy price for years of political confrontation, with unemployment emerging as a major concern. “We are partly responsible for what happened,” said a local resident. “There was a strong grassroots movement back then, and everyone got carried away. But nothing came out of it. Today, there are many unemployed people here. If a factory comes, it will help everyone.”
Another resident echoed similar concerns, saying the land has remained neither industrial nor agricultural. “No factory was built, and farming has not returned. There are many educated youth waiting for jobs. We are hoping the Prime Minister will announce something concrete. We no longer trust the Trinamool. Tata had to leave for Gujarat; we want something to happen here too,” the resident said.
Symbolic Nano Display Signals Hope
Scenes from the rally venue reflected these hopes. Locals set up a symbolic structure labelled “Tata Factory Wanted,” displaying miniature Nano car models inside. According to residents, the display was meant to convey their demand for industrial revival and employment opportunities. As the Prime Minister addresses the rally in Singur, all eyes are on the announcements he may make and the message he delivers. For many in this historic town, the visit represents not just a political event, but a renewed hope for industry, jobs, and a future beyond prolonged uncertainty.
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