Some day Tatas could go back to West Bengal: Ratan Tata hints

Some day Tatas could go back to West Bengal: Ratan Tata hintsSalt to software conglomerate Tata Group's outgoing chairman, Ratan Tata, has hinted that some day the group could go back to West Bengal.

Tata Motors, the automobile division of Tata Group, had initially tried to produce its Nano car from a plant in Singur district of West Bengal, but political protests forced the manufacturer to shift the plant to Sanand in Gujarat.

Mr. Ratan said Singur was a "great disappointment" for them but added that he had a great affinity with West Bengal and would like to see something happen there.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "It need not be Tata Motors. We have until the court decides this, the plant is still there. Whether it is Tata Motors or something else."

Mr. Ratan had previously also stated that some day the Tatas would return to West Bengal.

He added that the eastern part of India had failed to enjoy the growth and prosperity that the rest of the country enjoyed over the recent decades. He also claimed that Tata Motors' Nano plant in West Bengal could have generated eventually 7,000 to 8,000 jobs.

Mr. Ratan will retire as chairman of the conglomerate on December 28 when he turns 75. He will be succeeded by Cyrus Mistry, who is currently serving the group as its vice chairman.