Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Aditya Birla Group Considers Expanding Operations in Bengal Again
The Aditya Birla Group may invest more money in Bengal.
Its chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla, met Samik Bhattacharya, a BJP leader in the state.
He is also scheduled to meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Bhattacharya said the company is considering expanding its existing work there.
The Birla family moved its offices from Kolkata to Mumbai in 1978 after labor protests and disruptions.
However, the group kept some operations in Bengal.
Bhattacharya said the state has useful ports, workers, roads, and other advantages.
He also visited an oilfield where crude oil is being produced and sent to the Haldia refinery.
Kumar Mangalam Birla held extensive talks with Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya.
Bhattacharya said the group plans new investment and may expand existing Bengal operations.
The discussions followed Bhattacharya’s letter urging the conglomerate to invest more in the state.
The Aditya Birla Group retained an operational presence in Bengal after moving offices to Mumbai in 1978.
Bhattacharya also discussed ONGC’s Ashoknagar oilfield, where crude production began on August 28.
- Who
- Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Aditya Birla Group, and Samik Bhattacharya are central to the discussions; Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to meet Birla.
- What
- The Aditya Birla Group is considering new investment and expansion of its existing operations in Bengal.
- When
- The meeting took place on Sunday, with a further meeting scheduled for Monday; commercial crude production at Baigachhi began on August 28.
- Where
- The talks took place in Bengal, and Birla is scheduled to meet Adhikari at Nabanna; Bhattacharya also visited ONGC’s Ashoknagar oilfield.
- Why
- Bhattacharya urged the group to invest in Bengal, citing the state’s industrial potential, infrastructure, ports, geography, and skilled workforce.
Investment Push
Concerns and Criticism
Bengal’s investment climate
Investment Push
Samik Bhattacharya said the BJP government is creating an investment-friendly environment and highlighted Bengal’s industrial potential, ports, communication infrastructure, geography, and skilled workers.
Concerns and Criticism
The article recalls that labor unrest and frequent gheraos contributed to the Birla family moving its offices from Kolkata to Mumbai in 1978.
Oilfield development
Investment Push
Bhattacharya promised zero political interference at ONGC’s Ashoknagar oilfield and said there should be no politics over mineral resources.
Concerns and Criticism
He alleged that the previous state government failed to cooperate, claiming the petroleum minister sent 19 letters about required Petroleum Mining Leases without receiving a response.
- Company
- Aditya Birla Group
- Chairman
- Kumar Mangalam Birla
- Bengal BJP president
- Samik Bhattacharya
- Planned meeting
- A meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna
- Earlier relocation
- The Birla family moved its offices from Kolkata to Mumbai in 1978.
- Oilfield production
- Commercial crude production began at the Baigachhi oilfield on August 28.
- First shipment
- The first 12,000-litre crude consignment was sent to the Haldia refinery.