First BRS victory in Andhra: Thota Chandrasekhar on Centre’s U-turn on VSP
Thota Chandrasekhar said this is the first victory of the BRS party in Andhra Pradesh
By Newsmeter Network Published on 13 April 2023 12:05 PM GMT
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president Thota Chandrasekhar on Thursday said the Centre went back on its decision to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant only because of the BRS party.
On Thursday, Union Minister of state for Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste said the Centre will focus on strengthening the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) rather than privatising it at the moment. The minister emphasised that efforts are being made to enhance the capabilities of RINL and ensure efficient operation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
This can be said a victory for Vizag Steel Plant (RINL) after the Union minister said the Centre has approved 100% disinvestment for RINL in Rajya Sabha. The protest against the privitisation of the Vizag Steel Plant by the workers has been for 2 yrs.
Following this, Thota Chandrasekhar said this is the first victory of the BRS party in Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing the media in Hyderabad, the BRS leader said, “Two days ago, Telangana industries minister K.T. Rama Rao deputed a team of officials to Visakhapatnam to study the relevant issues regarding participating in the expression of interest for the Vizag Steel Plan. While YSRCP and TDP in Andhra Pradesh kept calm against the privatisation, the BRS government in Telangana is working towards the welfare of the people. We will achieve the steel plant with the slogan ‘Visakha Ukku-Andhrula Hakku’ (Visakha Steel is Andhraites’ Right),” said Mr. Chandrasekhar.
He added, “Vizag Steel Plant is worth Rs. 3 lakh crores. Around five lakh people are directly and indirectly depend on it. Since the beginning, Telangana Chief Minister KCR has been opposing the privatisation of Vizag Steel Plant.” He also described how privatisation could affect reservations.
The leader demanded immediate allotment of mines to the plant and giving the lands back to the displaced families. “About 20,000 acres of lands related to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant were named after the president. It should be transferred immediately to RINL,” demanded the BRS leader.
Mr. Chandrasekhar further noted how various promises, including special status, financing for the Polavaram project, Vizag Railway Zone, Vizag Metro, Dugarajapatnam Port, and Kadapa Steel Plant, have not been fulfilled to date by the Centre.
Reacting to the comments made by AP ministers on minister Harish Rao, the BRS leader said, “Minister Harish Rao spoke the truth about Andhra Pradesh. Ministers in Andhra are making unnecessary accusations against Harish Rao.”
BRS public meet soon in Vizag
Mr. Chandrasekhar said the BRS will soon hold a public meeting in Visakhapatnam. It is said that in order to save the Visakha Steel Plant, the employees and labour unions are asking to hold a victory rally in Vizag.
“People of Andhra Pradesh are impressed by the vision of KCR and KTR. They want BRS rule in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
