Capitalism is the only way to industrialise West Bengal although socialism could have been a better alternative, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee said on Thursday.
"The reality has forced us to accept capitalism as the only way to get funds for industries. It is simply impossible for the state to mobilise funds for industries and we have to depend on capitalism if our economy is to progress," Bhattacherjee, a CPI-M politburo member, said.
"We are aware of the filth that is inherent in capitalism but there is no other way at the moment. From where will the state get money for industries? Does the state government have money to set up steel plants?" he told a function to mark the 41st anniversary of CPI-M mouthpiece Ganashakti.
He said the most important issue being debated in the state and the country was whether industrialization will be carried out on the basis of progress in agriculture.
His comment came at a time when his government's industrial roadmap for West Bengal has come under fire from allies in the ruling Left Front and the opposition.
Allies like Forward Bloc and RSP have publicly criticised the Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee government saying that the way in which big business houses from the Tatas to the Indonesian Salim Group were entering West Bengal, 'is a blemish on the state's Left tradition'.
Bhattacherjee said acquiring agricultural land for industry could not be avoided and transition from agriculture to industries was a must for employment generation.
His government, he said, would however be very cautious while acquiring agricultural land for industry.
"We have to be very careful in determining the character of the land and ensure the right price and also proper rehabilitation package so that the poor are not distressed and further marginalised," he said.
He accused the opposition parties of creating trouble whenever an industrial house came forward to set up industries in West Bengal.
"The opposition creates trouble. What will students passing out of colleges and universities do?" he said.
Notwithstanding the allies' criticism of the government's industrial policy and its handling of Singur and Nandigram, Bhattacharjee reiterated that his government would not move away from industrialisation.
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