BRS chief's comment on VSP stirs political circles

Visakhapatnam: The announcement made by Chief Minister of the neighbouring Telugu state Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) has not only created a stir among the political parties but also the trade unions. Trade union leaders welcomed the statement made by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party chief. Even if the NDA-led BJP government sells the VSP, the BR, will resume it as a PSU once it comes to power. KCR made it clear that even if the exercise incurs a loss of thousands of crores of rupees, he would go ahead with the decision undeterred.

Following his statement, the need for all the political parties to unite and come together to save VSP has taken a larger prominence. On the other hand, the courage shown by the neighbouring state in protecting the steel plant which is considered as the pride of the Telugu people from getting sold is not taken as seriously as it should be by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Even if it is apparent that KCR has made the bold statement to gain a political edge, political analysts and VSP employees opine that there is a need to intensify the ongoing Ukku stir by taking a cue from Telangana Chief Minister, known for carving out a separate state waging an aggressive 'Udhyamam.'

Sharing his views, Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee chairman D Adinarayana says, "More than reversing the privatisation move of the VSP, the efforts should be to stop the government from getting the plant sold. If Ukku stir draws the support of Telangana people, it would certainly help in exerting unprecedented pressure on the Centre."

With Ukku stir inching towards completion of two years by the month end, the union leaders are coming up with a renewed strategy. Apparently, KCR's statement on VSP sums up to the strength of the agitation. Elaborating further, INTUC national secretary Mantri Rajasekhar opines, "If the BRS party also extends its support to the Ukku stir, the movement is sure to reach the next level. Time has come for all the parties in both the Telugu states to come together and fight to save the steel plant."

Stressing on the need to take the movement forward, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant CITU honorary president J Ayodhya Ram mentions that it will be taken up with the support of all the parties. In future, BRS party would be included in the Ukku stir as well, he adds. As the Ukku stir is set to complete two years next, a massive public meeting 'Ukku Praja Garjana' is scheduled to be held involving all the political parties on January 30.