Former minister and YSRCP Visakhapatnam District President Gudivada Amarnath stated that the YSRCP along with steel plant workers and public organizations, will organize protests, including dharnas, in the near future against the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Speaking to media in Visakhapatnam, the former minister expressed disappointment that after his visit to Delhi, TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu did not provide a clear statement on halting the privatization. He mentioned that it was surprising to hear Naidu admit that he was unsure about the situation, despite previously opposing privatization during elections.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of every Andhra citizen to protect the steel plant, which was achieved after a long struggle and the sacrifice of 32 individuals. He criticized the coalition government for taking steps to weaken the plant within just 100 days of coming into power. He pointed out that the blast furnace has already been shut down, salaries are not being paid properly to permanent employees, and housing allowances have been stopped.
Amarnath questioned why Naidu, with the support of 16 MPs, could not take a firm stand to save the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, especially when a smaller group of MPs managed to protect the Bhadravathi Steel Plant in Karnataka. He urged Naidu to issue an ultimatum to the central government, just as was done to protect other plants in states like Karnataka and Gujarat.
Amarnath asserted that YSRCP will not back down until a clear assurance is received from the central government to stop the privatization. He reminded everyone that the late YSR had provided jobs to the families of 3,500 workers who gave their land for the steel plant, and his son, YS Jagan, had successfully prevented privatization during his tenure as chief minister.
