Hooghly, 19 June (H.S.): West Bengal Public Works Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar on Friday asserted that adverse weather conditions would not affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled programme in Tarakeswar and said that not only the Tata Group, but several other major industrialists are also expected to invest in Singur in the coming years.

The minister made the remarks while inspecting preparations for the West Bengal Day celebrations to be held at Baligori Ground in Tarakeswar on June 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the main event, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, ministers and senior government officials are also expected to attend.

Preparations for the programme are in full swing, although continuous rainfall since morning has posed challenges. Waterlogging has been reported at parts of the venue, raising concerns about the movement of visitors. However, BJP leaders and the administration remain confident that the event will proceed as planned.

A massive gathering is expected at the venue located beside Tarakeswar-Baidyabati Road. Five large hangars have been erected to accommodate attendees, while a temporary helipad has also been constructed nearby. Security arrangements, including metal detector checks and deployment of specialised personnel, are being put in place. The Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has already arrived at the venue. A helicopter trial landing was successfully conducted on Thursday.

During the inspection, Ajay Poddar was accompanied by Chandannagar MLA Dipanjan Guha, Tarakeswar MLA Santu Pan and senior district administration officials, including Hooghly District Magistrate Khurshid Ali Qadri.

Dipanjan Guha said officials from the Public Works Department, Power Department, Fire Services and other agencies are working round the clock to ensure smooth arrangements. Pumps have been installed to drain out accumulated rainwater, while sand, stone chips and sandbags are being used to improve ground conditions.

Tarakeswar MLA Santu Pan expressed confidence that the weather would not dampen public enthusiasm. “Challenges will always exist, but we know how to overcome them. More than two lakh people are expected to attend the Prime Minister’s programme, which will create a festive atmosphere in Tarakeswar,” he said.

The venue is also being decorated with flowers as final preparations continue at a rapid pace.

Speaking after inspecting the site, Minister Ajay Poddar said engineers and officials from all concerned departments are closely monitoring the arrangements. “The rain will not be an obstacle. The Prime Minister’s programme will definitely take place. He is also expected to make announcements regarding several development projects,” he said.

Referring to West Bengal Day, Poddar said attempts had been made in the past to erase certain chapters of history, but history could never be forgotten. On the issue of Singur, he said the region would emerge as an industrial hub once again.

“Not only Tata, several major industrialists are coming to Singur. Industrialisation will return, and not just Singur—the entire state will once again move towards becoming Sonar Bangla,” the minister said.

The BJP government has decided to observe West Bengal Day on June 20 to commemorate the historic resolution adopted in Tarakeswar on June 20, 1947, under the leadership of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in favour of Bengal remaining a part of India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey