Steel plant privatization sparks protests: Leaders demand action*

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: A large-scale protest was held at the clock pillar in Amalapuram under the auspices of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), where leaders demanded that the central government halt the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). The protestors raised slogans against the Modi government’s push towards privatization, calling it an attempt to promote corporate control over public assets.

Leaders demand reversal of privatization plans

Addressing the gathering, CITU President G Durgaprasad criticized the central government’s decision to privatize VSP, alleging it a conspiracy. “Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which has paid Rs 58,000 crore in dividends for an investment of Rs 9,000 crore, is being deliberately pushed into losses,” Durgaprasad said. He condemned the closure of two blast furnaces, reducing the plant’s production capacity from 7.5 million metric tonnes to just 3 million metric tonnes.

District General Secretary Nukala Balaram echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the move to privatize VSP is a blow to Andhra Pradesh’s economy. “This is an attack on our state’s pride. We urge the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to pressure the central government to stop this privatization and allocate local resources to the plant,” Balaram said.

‘State government must intevene’

The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, established with the sacrifice of 32 lives and the resignation of 64 MPs, holds significant importance for the people of Andhra Pradesh. CITU District Vice President Maavoori Bhaskara Rao said, “Visakhapatnam has been built on 32,000 acres of farmers’ land. The people of Andhra Pradesh will not let go of this asset easily. We will fight for the steel plant’s survival.”

Leaders highlighted the plant’s contribution to the state’s economy, stressing that privatization would lead to job losses and economic instability in the region. Agriculture Labour Union State Vice President Kaarem Venkateswara Rao added, “This is not just about a steel plant; it’s about the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families. The state government must intervene immediately.”

Call for further struggle

Farmer leader Peethala Ramachandra Rao called for a united effort to oppose the privatization plan. “If the government does not heed our demands, we are prepared for another final struggle. The people of Andhra Pradesh will not stand idly by while our assets are sold off,” he warned.

Leaders rally behind the cause

The protest saw participation from various labour and farmer leaders, including Anganwadi leaders Parvathi, Ratnakumari, Daiva Kripa, and Kanakadurga, as well as CITU leaders Mohana Rao, Sadhanala Srinivasa Rao, Bendapudi Rayadu, and Chikkam Durga Rao, Asha leaders Bhuvaneshwari, Farmer leaders Srinu and Tadi Srirama Murthy. All of them voiced their concerns over the central government’s actions and vowed to continue their fight until their demands are met.

The leaders concluded by urging the public to stand united in the battle to save Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and resist any attempts at privatization.