Nearly two decades after the contentious Singur protests, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran have met in Kolkata, signaling a potential thaw in their historically frosty relationship. The meeting marks a significant moment in the state’s industrial landscape, as it was the first time Banerjee has met with a Tata Group leader since assuming office in 2011.

The roots of their strained relationship trace back to 2006 when Banerjee led protests against the alleged forcible acquisition of farmland for a Tata Motors plant in Singur. These protests were pivotal in her political ascent, ultimately leading to her party’s victory over the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 2011, ending its 34-year rule in West Bengal. In 2008, Ratan Tata, then Chairman of Tata Group, announced the relocation of the Nano car plant to Gujarat, attributing the decision to Banerjee’s opposition.

Despite this history, recent developments suggest a shift towards collaboration. During their meeting, discussions focused on enhancing the Tata Group’s presence in West Bengal and exploring new industrial opportunities. The Trinamool Congress shared photos of the meeting on social media, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that drive innovation and investment.

Earlier this year, at the Bengal Global Business Summit, Banerjee revealed that she had spoken with Chandrasekaran about potential investments in Bengal. She also requested direct flights from Kolkata to Europe through Air India, which is chaired by Chandrasekaran. His positive response indicated a willingness to strengthen ties with the state.

This renewed dialogue between Banerjee and the Tata Group could herald a new era of industrial growth for West Bengal, highlighting the potential for collaboration between government and industry leaders.