Buddha Asks Reliance to stay off grain tracts

THE ECONOMIC TIMES, KOLKATA, 29.06.2007

"Don't touch foodgrain". This is rule No.1 for Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Group, which has ambitious plans to spread its retail footprint across West Bengal. The state government has also spelt out categorically that Reliance's retail initiative should in no way unsettle the lives of small shopkeepers and vendors.

Even as West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee tries to persuade his more difficult cabinet colleagues and other constituents of the ruling Left Front, the rules of the game are being laid down for Reliance's entry into West Bengal. "We have told Reliance not to touch foodgrain. However, we don't want to stop them. How can we? Spencer's, Pantaloons have all set up shop. Why should we stop Reliance?" Mr. Bhattacharjee told ET on Thursday.