In a significant development, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday, marking the first such meeting between a Tata Group head and Banerjee since she assumed office in 2011. The meeting, held at the state secretariat Nabanna in Howrah, signals a potential thaw in relations between the Tata Group and the state government after nearly two decades.

The discussions primarily revolved around exploring fresh industrial opportunities and potential investments in West Bengal. Sources indicate that the meeting could pave the way for future collaborations and economic growth in the state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) publicly acknowledged the meeting on X, highlighting Bengal's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation, investment, and inclusive development. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant was also present during the talks.

This meeting is particularly noteworthy considering the historical context. In 2006, Tata Motors selected Singur in West Bengal's Hooghly district as the location for its Nano car project. However, the project faced significant opposition led by Mamata Banerjee, who demanded the return of 400 acres of land to unwilling farmers. The protests escalated, eventually leading Tata Motors to relocate the Nano project to Sanand, Gujarat, in 2008. At that time, Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, welcomed the Tata Group's decision.

Seventeen years later, this recent meeting suggests a possible reconciliation and a renewed focus on industrial development in West Bengal. At the Bengal Global Business Summit in February 2025, Banerjee mentioned that Chandrasekaran had assured her of the Tata Group's interest in increasing investments in Bengal and that he would visit the state soon for detailed discussions.

Mamata Banerjee also expressed her disapproval of NITI Aayog for misrepresenting West Bengal on an official map. She conveyed her sentiments in a letter to NITI Aayog's Vice Chairperson, Suman K Bery, denouncing the error as an affront to the state's identity and dignity.

Despite the positive outlook, memories of the Singur incident and its impact on the state's industrial landscape continue to shape headlines. For Banerjee, the meeting underscores a clear message: West Bengal is open for business while remaining protective of its pride.