Tata group 'will not walk away from Bengal'

Outgoing Chairman of Tata Sons Ratan Tata on Friday said there is still a possibility of locating a Tata Motors factory somewhere in West Bengal, but can be done only when "there is friendliness at the political level".

He was responding to the shareholders' questions relating to the abandoned Nano car factory at Singur at the AGM of Tata Global Beverages.

Tata said: "It is something that does not bring anger to me. But there is a sense of sadness because we could not bring it here."

"The case is now sub-judice and we will honour the outcome and respect the wishes of the Bengal government. Who knows, there could be a Tata Motors factory somewhere in Bengal and hopefully we welcome that," he said.

On his involvement with Bengal, he said, "I enjoyed, in fact, a great sense of satisfaction during interaction with the shareholders. The people of Bengal are friendly and warm. I had lived for six years in Jamshedpur and often used to visit Kolkata during which time an affinity had developed. That is why we wanted to bring a car factory here."

"Only when there is friendliness at the political level, we will think of it. We are an Indian group. We have no bias and prejudice. The group will not walk away from Bengal," Tata said.

It was the last appearance of Ratan Tata as the chairman of the company at the AGM.

Describing himself as a "very emotional person", Tata said, "This is an emotional meeting for me. I will be back sitting with you in future. I will carry back the warmth and affection showed towards me and I will remember it till the end of my life."