The Singur Issue

I have been following the "Singur" land row for quite some time now. With the October, 2008 deadline for Nana's launch looming large over their heads, I do not personally think that TATA Motors have much choice than to hunt for greener (oops - not greener) better areas outside West Bengal.
I was watching We, The People show on NDTV yesterday and as usual, the conclusion was the same - we need more dialogue. I wonder if Barkha Dutt is not bored of that conclusion that happens over and over again every week it is hosted.
But, the programme I must say did manage to tingle the thought processes - atleast mine for sure. There are many issues to ponder as follows with the most subtle on the top of the list.

1. Corporate lobby - I finally think it is very much for real. Who gets the benefit if the "Nano" launch is delayed - maybe two and three wheeler manufactuers, in addition to those automobile manufacturers who have their own version of under-1-lakh cars in the pipeline. I was intrigued by the fact that so many of these farmers are being well fed and taken care of every day of the agitation. From where is all this money coming from? NGOs? This much money - I do not think so. Is it from the Trinamool Congress? Again, I do not think so; when have we heard of politicians giving away money since TMC does not gain anything in the near term even if the Singur plant were to close.

2. Why is Mamata Banerjee making such a hue and cry when she herself was part of this proposal that was tabled more than a year back? Was she asleep while the session was on - I will not be surprised even if it was so. Why did she not raise this agitation way back if she was not happy?

3. Why is the Congress supporting the agitation 'now" - I think it is because they wanted to give a piece of their minds to the CPI(M) who is the ruling party in West Bengal.

4. Everyone says that the compensation package needs to be reworked, but no one has dared to put a number to it. he so-called NGOs supporting this movement also have no clue about the number they are "fighting" for.

5. If TMC is so concerned about the well being of the farmers, why is Mamate Banerjee refusing to come for discussions till date; why did she need the interference of the Governor to persuade her to come? I mean, what would have been different if she had come for talks earlier?
Now that I think of it, does anyone "really" care about the farmers who have lost or are about to lose their lands in Singur? I do not think "any" of the parties do. Does the NGOs care? I hope and wish they did and that they do!

One final question, what is the guarantee that this sort of problem will not come up in any other state where farm land needs to be converted.

Development always comes at a price - we need to find a way to make both ends meet - develop as well as provide well for the affected. Stalling development is certainly NOT the answer.