West Bengal ready to talk with RIL

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government on Tuesday said it was ready to hold talks with Reliance Industries after the company decided to slow down expansion of retail venture following attacks on Reliance Fresh outlets in the state.

"I have not heard formally from Reliance that they are slowing down the roll-out of their retail stores. If, however, they let us know officially, then we can hold immediate talks with them to work out a solution," Industry Minister Nirupam Sen told newsmen.

Sen, however, did not comment when told that Forward Bloc, a part of the ruling Left Front, has welcomed the company's decision to go slow on retail business in the state.

Earlier, eastern region head of Reliance Industies Kalyan Sarangi said the company had communicated to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee regarding the attacks.

He also said that Reliance Retail would go slow on the roll-out of Reliance Fresh stores in the state.

Meanwhile, senior Marxist Forward Bloc leader and state Fire Services Minister Pratim Chatterjee said forcing Reliance Retail out of the state was no guarantee that farmers would get remunerative prices for their produce.

"Since most political parties do not wish Reliance to set up retail business here, it is all right if they leave. But will that ensure remunerative prices for farmers," he asked.

Stating that many smaller retail chains were also keeping agri-products in their outlets, he said, "isn't it double standard to allow these outlets and keep Reliance away?"