Opposition Ready to Join Hands for Bengal’s Economic Growth, Says Majumdar
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, on Friday, affirmed the opposition's readiness to fully support the West Bengal government in attracting new investments to the state. Majumdar, who holds the position of Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), emphasized the BJP-led central government's commitment to enhancing investments in eastern India and the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Act East Policy'.
Speaking during an investment roadshow in Kolkata, Majumdar highlighted that investments directed towards the Northeast would indirectly benefit West Bengal due to Kolkata and Haldia ports' strategic positions as major gateways for trade and commerce.
Majumdar Offers to Join Mamata Banerjee in Investment Roadshows
Majumdar openly extended cooperation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, suggesting she organize roadshows in other states to actively promote Bengal as an investment destination. "As an MP and a minister, I want Mamata Banerjee to organise roadshows in other states to attract investments. If required, I am even ready to accompany her to seek investments. It will be good for the state's economy and its people," Majumdar stated during interactions on the sidelines of the event.
However, he pointed out clearly that the primary initiative must originate from the state government itself. "It depends on the state government, whether they want to seek support from others or not," he clarified.
Demand for Transparency in Bengal’s Investment Efforts
Critiquing the existing state of affairs, Majumdar accused the West Bengal government of keeping the opposition in the dark regarding investment-related activities. He demanded greater transparency from the state administration, urging the publication of a white paper to reflect accurate details on the actual investments received so far instead of issuing exaggerated claims.
Majumdar also expressed reservations about Bengal's investment climate, citing the example of an unnamed industrialist who, despite having businesses across India for decades, had only recently ventured into Bengal. "This shows the environment is still not conducive for business in Bengal," he noted.
Northeast Secures Rs 97,000 Crore Investment Commitments
Highlighting investment potential in the region, Majumdar stated that the Northeast has already secured investment commitments worth approximately Rs 97,000 crore through MoUs and letters of intent. He underscored Bengal’s geographic advantage and existing industrial infrastructure, particularly in regions such as Haldia and Durgapur, as critical to supporting growth and development initiatives in the Northeast.
Majumdar's remarks underscore the growing call for collaborative economic initiatives between the central and state governments to stimulate sustainable investment and regional development in eastern India.
