West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Friday said leading industrialists and business representatives in Mumbai had expressed interest in exploring fresh investment opportunities in the state, as the newly installed BJP government in the state seeks to position industrialisation and job creation at the centre of its economic agenda.
Bhattacharya, who met representatives of various industrial and business establishments in the country's financial capital, said the discussions focused on investment prospects, industrial expansion and the state's efforts to project itself as an industry-friendly destination.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, the BJP leader described the interaction as "fruitful" and said detailed exchanges were held on West Bengal's skilled workforce, improving connectivity, industrial infrastructure and opportunities across multiple sectors.
"Representatives of various industrial and business organisations in Mumbai expressed interest in business expansion and fresh investments in West Bengal. We believe cooperation among the government, industry and investors will play an important role in the state's industrial growth, employment generation and overall economic development," Bhattacharya said.
The outreach comes as the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, attempts to attract private investment and revive industrial growth after assuming office following the assembly elections.
Senior BJP leaders have repeatedly asserted that industrialisation and employment generation would be among the government's top priorities. The administration has also indicated plans to organise a major investors' summit to showcase investment opportunities in the state.
The government has sought to highlight what it calls a more business-friendly ecosystem, faster clearances, improved infrastructure and the availability of skilled manpower to attract investors from across the country.
Earlier, Adhikari had said the state government was preparing a roadmap for industrial expansion with the participation of leading corporate groups, including the Tata Group and the Adani Group.
Bhattacharya's Mumbai visit is being seen by BJP leaders as part of a broader effort to engage industry captains and reassure investors about the state's economic prospects under the new dispensation.
The BJP has often accused the previous government headed by Mamata Banerjee of failing to translate investment proposals into projects on the ground despite repeated announcements and business summits over the past decade and a half.
Against that backdrop, the ruling BJP is seeking to project itself as a government focused on converting investor interest into tangible industrial projects and employment opportunities, party leaders said.
