Steel plant in Kadapa still a distant dream: RCP marks 8 years of protest

Andhra Pradesh: Despite promises from successive governments and foundation stones laid by three chief ministers, the proposed steel industry in Kadapa district remains a non-starter. The Rayalaseema Communist Party (RCP) has marked eight years of its 360-day steel strike by intensifying its demand for immediate action, accusing the ruling coalition of neglect and broken promises.

“Foundation stones, but no brick laid”

Rayalaseema Communist Party (RCP) State General Secretary Ravi Shankar Reddy criticized the continued inaction over the proposed steel plant in Kadapa district, stating that although three different chief ministers have laid four foundation stones over the years, not a single brick has been laid for construction.

“The project has been reduced to a mere ritual of stone-laying ceremonies. If there was genuine political will, the steel plant would have become a reality long ago,” he said at a protest held at Kotireddy Circle to commemorate the 8th anniversary of RCP’s prolonged steel strike.

Government admits resource potential, yet no progress

Shankar Reddy pointed out that even the government has acknowledged the availability of abundant raw materials necessary for setting up a steel industry in Kadapa. Despite this, no substantial progress has been made. “When the government itself has certified the presence of raw material, what else is holding them back? The problem lies in the political will, not in the feasibility,” he alleged.

Employment opportunities being denied

The establishment of a steel plant in Kadapa could significantly alleviate unemployment in the district, according to the RCP. Shankar Reddy emphasized that such a project would generate thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly. “This is not just about steel plant. It is about jobs, livelihood, and the economic future of Rayalaseema,” he said.

Call to honour 2008 promise

He reminded the current Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu of his earlier commitment to the steel industry. “The CM made a promise on June 30, 2008, to set up a steel plant in the region. If this government fails to act now, people will not trust his words in the future,” he warned.

Widespread participation in protest

The event at Kotireddy Circle witnessed participation from various RCP leaders and activists including Madagalam Prasad, Chapala Subbarayudu, Lakshmi Devi, Tasleem, Venkateshu, Ravi, Vijay, Pratap Reddy, Munireddy, Raju, and others, all demanding urgent government intervention to begin work on the long-pending steel project.