Singur's Industrial Hopes Crushed at PM Modi Rally
Thousands of people assembled at the deserted Tata Nano factory site in Singur on Sunday. They came with a clear expectation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would finally provide a concrete plan to revive industry in this region. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their faces reflecting years of waiting for economic rejuvenation.
From Hope to Disillusionment
That hope turned into profound disappointment as the Prime Minister's speech unfolded. He spoke at length about various national issues. He discussed railway projects, maritime trade developments, and concerns about infiltration. Yet, he uttered not a single word about Singur's industrial future. The omission felt like a deliberate snub to the gathered masses.
Mritunjay Rana, who traveled from Bansberia, expressed his initial optimism. "I expected the PM to finally spell out a roadmap for industry and jobs here," he said before the speech. "Many politicians made promises, but nothing happened. The PM is known for his guarantees. I was hopeful." By the end of the event, his face told a different story. "I heard yet another political speech. There was no clarity on Singur's future. The PM may have lost a good opportunity to win the hearts of the people," Rana remarked on his way home.
A Symbol of Lost Opportunity
The rally occurred just months before the crucial Bengal assembly elections. The BJP, as the principal opposition party in the state, has consistently framed Singur as a symbol of wasted industrial potential. They argue it represents a "lost industrial opportunity" under the current state government. Ironically, on Sunday, many attendees felt the BJP itself missed a key chance to address this very issue.
Bapan Das, a resident of Chanditala in Hooghly, captured the sentiment. "The PM spoke about everything, from railways to maritime trade. But he did not utter a single word about bringing back industry to Singur, where the land is lying abandoned," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
Voices from the Ground
Women formed a significant portion of the crowd. Many had finished their household chores early and traveled in groups, clinging to the hope of hearing about local job creation.
"We came because we thought he would tell us what will happen to this land," said Mala Das from Singher Bheri in Singur. "For years, we have only heard speeches. We want factories, not slogans."
Before the Prime Minister's address, junior Union minister Sukanta Majumdar set the stage. He criticized the Trinamool Congress, blaming political opposition for Singur's stalled industrialization. He promised that once the BJP forms the government in Bengal, industry, including a car factory, would return to Singur.
Many in the audience interpreted this as a direct campaign pledge. Prasun Maity, who runs a poultry business in Singur, voiced the collective confusion. "There was hope upon hearing that," he said. "If they can talk about bringing back factories, why can't the PM explain what the plan is? Or should we think it was just rhetoric?"
A History of Broken Promises
The day began with the Prime Minister inaugurating several projects for Bengal related to railways, ports, and inland waterways. At that earlier event, he hinted he would speak more at the rally. This statement further fueled expectations among the Singur attendees.
"But he mentioned nothing," said a dejected Rabiul Mondal. His son once had a job at the Tata Nano factory. "When the factory went, the job went. Now he works in Surat. Singur is still only a promise."
Sanjay Maity, who traveled from Chandernagore, called the rally "just another political stop." He acknowledged the PM's points on national security and other issues but stressed the local priority. "Infiltration, national security, all are fine points, but we want jobs. The youth is being forced to leave Singur and work in other cities."
Sakina Khatoon echoed this deep-seated concern for the next generation. She came expecting announcements about local employment. "I expected jobs so our children don't have to migrate," she said. "There was nothing for us in the speech."
The abandoned factory site now stands as a silent testament to unfulfilled promises. The land remains vacant, and the people's wait for a concrete industrial roadmap continues, seemingly longer than ever after Sunday's rally.
