Protest intensifies against Vizag Steel Plant privatisation

The protests against the Centre's planned privatisation of the Vizag Steel Plant have intensified with workers' unions on a hunger strike. Political parties and trade unions have also come out in support of the protests.

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh):The agitation against the planned privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant intensified with workers' unions sitting on a hunger strike.

Steel plant workers' unions began a hunger strike at the Kurmannapalem gate in Visakhapatnam.

CPI national secretary K Narayana, Andhra Pradesh minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao and leaders of various labour unions expressed support for the protest.

"There is a responsibility to protect the Visakha Steel Plant, which is being privatised to plunder thousands of acres of land. The state government has to bring a law - that if land was allotted to any industry they would not be able to sell it. It is not enough for the state government to just pass a resolution in the Assembly. If we protect the steel plant it is equal to saving the prestige of the state," CPI National Secretary Narayana said.

"The industry has a net profit of Rs 6,000 crore since its starting stage. Losses may occur due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, privatisation is not right at all. We won't allow POSCO (South Korean steel manufacturer) in Visakhapatnam," Minister Rao said.

Read:All-party protest against Vizag Steel Plant privatisation

"Attempts are being made to occupy the heart of the city. It is the property of the people. No Prime Minister or Chief Minister has the right to privatise it. We will be ready for any fight on behalf of YSRCP on this matter. Resignations are not the solution to the problem. Pawan Kalyan should also support the movement," he added.

Meanwhile, TDP leader Palla Srinivasa Rao's hunger strike in Gajuwaka continued for the third day on Friday. Rao is on a hunger strike against the decision to privatise the steel plant.

Along with the TDP leaders, representatives of the working class have also expressed solidarity with Rao.

TDP state president Atchannaidu expressed solidarity with Rao's protest, and said that privatisation would not be accepted under any circumstance.

He also demanded that the Centre withdraw its decision on privatisation.

Earlier on January 27 this year, the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had given in-principle approval for the privatisation of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) or Vizag Steel Plant.

Read:Will Telugu land accept privatisation of Vizag Steel Plant?