"West Bengal Minister Engages in Communications with Adani Group Regarding Tajpur Project"

West Bengal state minister Shashi Panja revealed recently that communications are underway between the West Bengal government and the Adani Group concerning the Tajpur deep-sea port project in the state. The project, slated to be developed by the Adani Group under the leadership of industrialist Gautam Adani, is currently in progress.

Addressing a press conference on "West Bengal Day" at the India-International Trade Fair, Panja addressed inquiries about the deal and the Adani Group's absence from the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS).

Panja explained, "There was a provisional LoI (letter of intent), which was granted to the highest bidder for the development of Tajpur. The requisite permissions were then sought from four departments of the government of India-the departments of shipping, defence, home affairs, and external affairs."

"The Ministry of Home Affairs has given a conditional security clearance and made certain observations. The state government and the Adani Group are working on this. We have sought clarifications; communications are ongoing," she added.

Responding to queries about the Adani Group's non-participation in the recently held BGBS, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader remarked, "I suppose you can ask them... invitations were there."

The absence of the business group from the BGBS had raised questions about its role in the Tajpur port project.

Panja highlighted that there are 16 stalls from West Bengal at the trade fair, including eight from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Discussing the BGBS, held on November 21-22, Panja noted that more than 400 delegates from 17 countries participated in the summit. A total of 188 memoranda of understanding (MoU), LoI, and expressions of interest (EoI) towards investment proposals of Rs 3,76,288 crore were signed during the summit.

ET