MP invites Tata to set up Nano plant

BHOPAL: After Orissa, Maharashtra, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, it's now the turn of Madhya Pradesh to invite Tata Motors to set up its 'Nano' small car facility in that state following political turmoil at Singur in West Bengal, the current location of Tata's new auto plant.

"The gesture was shown by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a function at Gwalior on Saturday," an official statement issued here said.

"My government would be more than happy if Tata Motors decides to set up its plant for Nano project at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The government would be willing to offer land and other facilities required for setting up the project," Chouhan said while addressing a function.

The government wouldn't lag behind in extending any such help which would bring in investments and provide job to the people of the state, he was quoted as saying.

Opposition Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Sunday kicked off an indefinite protest by thousands near the Tata Motors factory site in Singur  to demand return of 400 acres of farmland acquired for the project.

Tata Motors took up the project to build the small car factory in Singur two years back. Since then, the firm has faced resistance from sections of the farmers and political parties over the farmland acquisition.