The principal opposition party of the state, Trinamool Congress, led protesters to demand return of 400 acres - of the 997.11 acres acquired - to farmers. Finally, Tata Motors in October 2008 moved out the plant for the world's least expensive car to Gujarat.

Apart from Singur, the party also forced the shifting of a chemical hub project from Nandigram to Nayachar in East Midnapore district.

Criticising Trinamool in his speech at the AGM without naming the party, Sen said: 'Politics is coming in the way when industry is spreading to villages. Whoever comes to power has to pursue industrialisation in the state.'

'There are debates over land in the state. There are always positive aspects to a debate and we should learn from them. People have also supported our moves towards industrialisation,' he said.

Pointing out that industrialisation was inevitable, Sen said: 'Industrialisation does not depend on political win or defeat. If a political party goes out of power or faces a defeat in the election for pursuing industrialisation, it does not mean that the state does not need it.'