When it was learnt that The central Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave in-principle approval of Rasthtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), popularly called Vizag Steel Plant for 100 per cent divestment of the mega power plant on Thursday.
Hundreds of employees, on Friday staged a protest in the port city against the BJP-led government’s decision to privatize the mega steel plant.
The fight for conservation of the Visakhapatnam steel plant has begun. With the cooperation of the people’s representatives, the workers became anxious. Several YSSR CP MLAs along with Tourism Minister Avanti Srinivas expressed solidarity with the protest rally held at Steel Plant BC Gate on Monday morning.
It was attended by leaders of trade unions affiliated to all parties. Labor leaders have said they will defend the Vizag steel plant, which originated in the spirit of the movement. Leaders said the Vizag steel plant in particular was in profit and borrowing was due to expansion.
He warned that the BJP government would face dire consequences if it tried to take over the plant unilaterally. BJP leaders in the state and Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan responded by demanding that pressure be brought to bear on the Center.
The Center has been accused of discriminating against the southern states. Trade union leaders said they would take inspiration from Chief Minister YS Jagan mohan Reddy’s letter and campaign for the conservation of the steel plant.
Several MLAs, including the tourism minister, have expressed support for the movement. Tourism Minister Avanti Srinivas has warned that if the Center does not reverse its decision, the movement will continue beyond the farmer movement.
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