Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President, called for a statewide protest against the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
On the 15th of February, Mr. Naidu asked all the citizens of Andhra Pradesh to protest against the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The protest has been organised on the 18th of February, initiated by the TDP leaders, cadres and supporters in the State.
Mr. Naidu asked the TDP cadre to hold protests and rallies from the village level to the state level.
Chandrababu Naidu said, the Telugu Desam Party is ready to face any struggle or consequences in order to save the steel industry.
The TDP President also said he and his Party would not rest until they achieve the agenda and save the plant.
During the protest call, Mr. Naidu also criticised Mr. Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, for not taking a stand and allowing the Central Government to privatise steel plants.
Mr. Naidu said, “The Visakhapatnam steel industry, which is the backbone of Andhra Pradesh’s industrial development, directly employs 40,000 people and indirectly employs another 50,000 workers.”
Chandrababu Naidu also said it is the responsibility of the people of the State to safeguard it with the movement.
The Central Government announced the privatisation of the 30 years old Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
To save the plant as a public sector, a few TDP leaders are conducting indefinite hunger strike.
The hunger strike and agitation of the TDP leaders would continue until the Government of India (GoI) announces the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant to remain in the public sector.
Stay tuned for further updates.
