If there is a view that for various political reasons we should not be there or what we are trying to do should be altered, which cannot be … then we would necessarily face an issue, very reluctantly, where we need to move.
If anybody is under the impression that because we have made this large investment of about Rs. 1,500 crore, we will not move, then they are wrong. We would move whatever the cost, to protect our people. What has concerned us is the violence and the disruption that has led us to be concerned about the safety of our employees, our equipment and of the viability of the entire process.
Compound walls are being broken, materials stolen; you cannot open and operate a plant with police protection.Please understand that I am making a very genuine statement and I do not have a motive. It will be a great loss to the company, its shareholders and West Bengal.
We came at a time when there was very little investment coming to West Bengal and the Tata Motors decided to locate one of their prime and most unique factory in West Bengal. We wanted to showcase the new industrialisation of West Bengal.
We leased property, which was offered to us that had been acquired. And, as we were looking for a unique product with low cost, we wanted an integrated location as logistics and transportation are major components of cost for any project. We are trying to produce a car that has never been tried anywhere in the world at that kind of price.
No. I am an optimist, I am an Indian first … but I have always had a very soft corner for West Bengal. But the last thing I want is a feeling that the Tatas are unwanted for whatever reason in West Bengal.
Ratan Tata
Chairman
TATA Group
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