Durga Puja celebration has been brought forward here by a week, with the Calcutta high court’s okay to the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, paving the way for returning land to those who didn’t want to give it up to the Nano factory.
Confident farmers were ready for it. As soon as news of the victory flashed on news channels, the celebration broke out, turning the air thick and noisy with abir (colours) and crackers. The land losers believe the verdict has brought them closer to getting back their land, after a six-year wait.
“We always had faith in Didi (chief minister Mamata Banerjee) and kept our patience. Finally, our day has come. She has kept her promise,” said Paramita Das, whose family owned four bighas, but did not take the compensation for its takeover.
The earlier Left Front government had acquired almost 1,000 acres for Tata Motors. Owners of around 400 acres, the unwilling farmers, did not take the compensation, protesting the forcible acquisition. Banerjee, who fought and won the recent state elections with Singur as a prime poll plank, got the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act passed, enabling the government to re-possess the land to give it back to the farmers.
However, the reality is that the legal battles would now stretch to a higher court. Singur’s farmers are also aware of this. Still, with deep faith in Banerjee, they say they’re getting ready to sow potato seeds this winter, defying legal statutes.
“Preparation is in full swing for transplanting potato seeds,” said Robin Mandal, who is dependent on the 100-day national rural job guarantee programme to run his family since he lost his small plot.
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Das' view represents the widespread sentiment among most of the unwilling sellers. Besides, Banerjee’s commitment has raised farmers' expectations. “We could not cultivate our land for six years. We hope government will arrange for some compensation for us,” said Pradyut Das.
Underlying these currents was also a sense of caution. No effort was made by the villagers to penetrate into the factory site, as had happened a day after promulgation of the Singur Bill by the state government. This sense of apprehension was best evident in Puba Para of Beraberi village. Locals here have kept themselves aloof from the Durga Puja celebration in the six years since they lost their lands to the proposed Nano project.
After the court verdict, discussion was on whether they should break their vow. They finally decided to wait a year more, as they are yet to get back their land.