States » EastPosted at: Nov 6 2026 9:28PM


Bengal was never investment-friendly, but political change has raised hopes: BJP state chief

Siliguri, Nov 6 (UNI) West Bengal was never an investment-friendly state in the past, and capital had moved out of the state to other parts of the country, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya said on Friday.
However, welcoming the state government's announcement of its industrial policy, he said there had been a sudden rise in interest among industrialists across the country, NRIs and even foreign companies in West Bengal following the political change on 4 May 2026.
Speaking to journalists at Bagdogra airport, Bhattacharya said West Bengal had immense industrial potential because of its strategic geographical location as the gateway to the Northeast, its coastline, rivers, three international borders, fertile land, skilled human resources and financial resources.
He said the change in the political situation had generated fresh enthusiasm among industrialists about the state's prospects.
Referring to the government's announcement of a zero-tolerance policy, he said there would be no room for extortion and that the word 'syndicate' had disappeared from the state. He expressed hope that the industrial policy would help restore confidence among investors.
Bhattacharya was on his way to Alipurduar to inaugurate a Kali Puja organised by the Railway Builders' Association. He is scheduled to stay there on Friday and return to Kolkata on Saturday.
On the political situation and the role of the Opposition, the BJP leader said his party wanted a strong Opposition to emerge in West Bengal.
"There is virtually no Opposition in West Bengal. We want an effective Opposition even in Kolkata,” he said, suggesting that CPI(M) leader Mohammed Salim, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury should join hands and organise a joint protest rally in Kolkata.
He added that such protests need not be confined to Kolkata. The Opposition could organise demonstrations across the state, including Jhargram, the Jangalmahal region and the Dooars, or even closer to the Kanchenjunga, he said.
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