Singur tries to decode PM Modi’s speech, misses industry mention
Times of India | 19 January 2026
Singur: Thousands of people gathered at the abandoned Tata Nano factory site in Singur on Sunday, in the hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would provide a roadmap for the revival of industry in the region. But their hope turned into disappointment when his speech made no mention of Singur's industrial future.
With the rally coming months ahead of Bengal assembly polls, BJP, the principal opposition party in the state, has sought to revive memories of Singur as a symbol of what it calls a "lost industrial opportunity". On Sunday, those in the crowd thought the absence of reference to industry in Singur was a "lost opportunity" for BJP.
Ahead of the rally, hope was palpable among the people of Singur and neighbouring areas. "I am expecting the PM to finally spell out a roadmap for industry and jobs in the region. Many netas made promises, but nothing happened. The PM is known for his guarantees. I am hopeful," said Mritunjay Rana, who had come from Bansberia to hear the PM speak.
But by the time the PM's speech ended, disappointment was evident on his face. "I heard yet another political speech. There was no clarity on Singur's future. PM may have lost a good opportunity to win the hearts of the people of Singur," Rana said on his way back home.
"The PM spoke about everything, from railways to maritime trade to infiltration. But he did not utter a single word about bringing back industry to Singur, where the land is lying abandoned," said Bapan Das, a resident of Chanditala in Hooghly who was at the rally.
Women were present in large numbers at the rally. Many had wrapped up their household chores early and travelled in groups to hear the PM, hopefully speak of bringing jobs closer home.
"We came because we thought he (the PM) would tell us what will happen to this land," said Mala Das, a resident of Singher Bheri, in Singur. She added, "For years, we have only heard speeches. We want factories, not slogans."
Ahead of the PM's speech, junior Union minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised Trinamool and said Singur had lost its chance at industrialisation due to political opposition. He promised that once BJP came to govt in Bengal, industry, including a car factory, would return to Singur.
Many in the crowd interpreted the statement as a campaign promise. "There was hope upon hearing that," said Prasun Maity, who runs a poultry business in Singur. "If they can talk about bringing back factories, why can't the PM explain what the plan is? Or should we think it was just rhetoric? He asked.
Before the rally, the PM inaugurated several projects related to railways, ports and inland waterways for Bengal. Towards the end of his speech at the inauguration event, he said he would speak more at the rally. This further fuelled hope among attendees.
"But he mentioned nothing," said Rabiul Mondal, whose son had once got a job at the Tata Nano factory. "When the factory went, the job went," Mondal said, adding, "Now he (his son) works in Surat. Singur is still only a promise."
"This was just another political stop," said Sanjay Maity, who had travelled from Chandernagore early on Sunday morning. "Infiltration, national security, SIR are all fine points , but we want jobs. The youth is being forced to leave Singur and work in other cities," he added.
Sakina Khatoon echoed Maity's sentiments. She said she had come to the rally expecting jobs "so our children don't have to migrate." "There was nothing for us in the speech," she said.