West Bengal has to become self-reliant from being dependent on doles says CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated a new petrochemical plant in Haldia, calling for a shift from a 'dole-dependent' economy to one focused on self-reliance. The government plans to unveil a new industrial policy before Diwali to attract investment and move away from past trade union-heavy policies.
Why it matters
The announcement signals a significant shift in West Bengal's economic strategy, aiming to rebrand the state as an investment-friendly destination for industrial growth.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) inaugurated Haldia Petrochemicals Limited ( HPL) ₹6,000 crore phenol and acetone plant at Haldia and emphasised that the State has to become self-reliant from being dependent on doles.
Addressing a gathering in Haldia, Mr. Adhikari said Haldia Petrochemicals had made the country self-reliant, but it had since become “bhata nirbhar” (dependent on doles) and needed to return to being “atma nirbhar” (self-reliant).
The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the context of promoting West Bengal as an investment destination and pointing out that the previous government had only promoted the culture of giving doles to the people.
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