Singur Land verdict signal to government to formulate policies in interest of poor: JD(U)

The Janata Dal United on Thursday hailed the decision of Supreme Court which quashed the Singur land deal that took place between Tata Motors and the former Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led West Bengal Government, saying the decision is a clear cut signal to the central and state governments to ensure that the policies are formulated in the interest of poor.

JD (U) leader Shyam Rajak told ANI that he hopes the verdict would act as a precedent to all other cases like Narmada Bachao Andolan, which has been fighting for the cause of poor.

"We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court. This was a fight for the rights of the poor. This decision will ensure that the farmers retain their livelihood. I hope the verdict will send out a positive signal. There are lots cases be it Narmada Andolan, or be it about Tehri dam issue which has been fighting for the cause of the poor. The SC should also review these cases as well," he said.

The apex court on Wednesday set aside the land deal though which the West Bengal Government in 2006 allegedly acquired 1000 acres of land in Singur under the colonial Land Acquisition Act of 1894 to help Tata motors set up its manufacturing plant for the Nano car.

The top court told the present West Bengal Government to hand the land back to the farmers in the next 12 weeks.

Hours after the verdict, an elated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the press conference, said "I had dreamt of this Supreme Court verdict for so long, for the people of Singur. Now, I can die in peace."

In 2006, the Trinammol Congress (TMC) led by its chief Mamata Banerjee, held a massive protest against the Tata motors for acquiring the land. The project faced massive opposition from the displaced farmers.

The Singur land project was one of her political planks that led to her victory in the 20011 assembly election.