The two-day Bengal Global Business Summit 2017-18 came finally down yesterday evening, with the grandiose claim of Rs.2.19,925 crores or US$ 33.83 Billion investment proposals and a likely job creation for 20 lakhs in the state.
The previous years too had witnessed such tall claims, roars ending in whimpers when confronted with questions on actual materialization of the MOUs into investments. However, my take is not to criticize this government, as everyone lives on hopes and industrialists too are under pressure to express their solidarity with states by assurances, which may or may not materialize.
Assembly of local industrialists from West Bengal in such jamborees is not a surprise at all, as they must be able to run their business ‘peacefully’ in the state and cannot be seen to cause slight by their absenteeism. Mutual patting and praising therefore is a quid-pro-quo public show, which does not want any explanation.
What raised eyebrows was the presence of mighty industry honchos like Mukesh Ambani, Adani, Jindal, Kotak etc. the first two having their substantial business interests in the state of Gujarat, the state owing allegiance to PM Modi and his party BJP. Is it akin to the ability of the agile ants, which save sufficiently for the harsh winters well in advance? It’s easy to wriggle out of invitations than to be present in person with CM Mamata, a noted and vocal critic of the PM. However, they chose to be present here under the limelight and glare of the world.
The silent progress and change of attitude, from belligerence towards industry, to pathetic appeal seeking investments, cannot be just missed, particularly after the harrowing exit of Tatas from Singur, which was also mentioned by the foreign trade delegation leader. If a country or a state is progressing, it attracts industry from abroad, particularly of our vast domestic market and Bengal is no exception. Therefore, industrial investments will come now or in the future.
More interesting fallout from the BGBS is the unwitting revelation by the India Inc. of political rumblings from the north and the likely surprises it can throw in 2019. With leaders like Mulayam vanquished, Jaya died, DMK for a fist fight of succession between siblings, AP bifurcated, Sidharamaiah of Karnataka on the defence, Pawar out of action, Lalu in Jail, the arena has been left open for Mamata to make a greater presence as the champion of the minorities, poor and down trodden. Are you wondering as to why I had made no mention of any names from the Congress party?
BGBS has given an inkling.
Sampath Kumar
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