A Sanand land-loser’s letter to Mamata Banerjee!
Dear Mamataben,
Tame kem chho,maja maa ne? I just came to know that you have taken a decisive step towards realising your dream of capturing power in Bengal. I take this opportunity to congratulate you and inform you that we are also close to realising our dreams of a better life, with the first Nano vrooming out of its mother plant in Sanand.
Mamataben, did Narendrabhai Modi invite you to attend the inauguration? I suspect he didn’t, as he was shamelessly trying to take the entire credit for bringing this Rs20 billion project in Sanand while inaugurating the plant on Wednesday. Can you imagine he didn’t thank you even once in his entire speech?
But, don’t worry, it doesn’t quite matter whether he acknowledges your contribution or not, as even a child in Sanand knows this would not have been possible without your efforts. We owe you a great debt of gratitude. I have a small request. Can you send me a photo of yours? You must be wondering, what for? Well, everyone in Sanand wants to keep a photograph of yours in their home. Who says you are just Bengal’s leader? You are Gujarat’s true icon.
You would also be delighted to know that the number of crorepatis in Sanand and its surrounding villages has increased manifold. Ratanbhai Tata has promised to surprise us with more investments soon. And Narendrabhai is considering developing Sanand as a special investment region. Hero Honda, MRF and Bosch Group have already evinced interest to set up units in Sanand.
The same could have held true for Singur in Bengal, but your love for us and the Writers’ Buildings has brightened our future at the expense of Bengal’s? Mamataben, you would be glad to know that the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation has served notices to five surrounding villages, offering them Rs900/sq m – Rs3.6 million an acre. It is at least 10 times higher than the price of land in the pre-Nano days, and also more than the market rate of about Rs2.4 million an acre.
As of today, some 600 local people work at the plant as causal or contract workers, earning Rs4,500 a month. The GIDC plans to acquire 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) near the plant to set up an industrial park. Villagers are opposing the move and, like our brothers in Singur had done under your leadership, refusing to part with their land.
The GIDC is trying to develop consensus and willing to renegotiate the land price. We are willing to sell our land to the GIDC, provided we are paid more. The state government is, reportedly, “considering the suggestion”.
Mamataben, why don’t you drive out some IT biggies out of Bengal? I am sure Narendrabhai would be too happy to accommodate them as well. Expecting more such gifts from you as you take charge of Bengal next year. Wish you all the best!
Yours sincerely,
A former land owner in Sanand and now a crorepati with your blessings
Hey Raj, hope you are keeping good health. Otherwise we, the readers who follow your blog, are not able to understand your absence from the scene for a month now. Also, it would be great if you could pour your thoughts on topics like geopolitics, military intelligence, social unrest as a factor of capitalism. We look forward to your ideas on them as well.
Hey Rohit, apparently was busy with some project. Had taken a break from blogging, but now intend to be more a regular with blogging, unless God has other wishes. Keep sending your comments and feedbacks. Cheers.