Mamata Trying A `Fast' One Over Singur

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee is on a fast for almost three weeks now. And, she has got her share of arguments to justify her and her party's stand on the Tata Motors project in Singur, and hence her decision to remain steadFAST.

She claims to be really concerned about the people of the region who, she thinks, might suffer if the state government had its way with the Tata project. Having said all that, my gut feeling is that she is only trying to pull a `fast' one on the state government. She does not want the credit of implementing the project to go to the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya government.

But, before I conclude something like that, some facts. Some time back, the state government had convened a meeting to address issues concerning the Tata Motors project. Despite being invited, Banerjee did not show up. Later, when the issue came up for discussion in the Parliament, Banerjee had nothing convincing to say so as to support her opposition to the project. On top of that, recently the state chief minister invited her for talks over `all' issues concerning the project. But, Banerjee made sure that no such meeting was held.

How can Madam Banerjee justify her ways regarding the issue? She won't end her fast, she won't talk – she would only oppose. But, oppose whom or what – Tata Motors, the state government or the well-being of the people of the state? I do not have an answer. I hope she does.