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The article reports on the strong stance taken by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) against the potential privatization of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, or VSP). Leader of the Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Botsa Satyanarayana, has declared that the party will actively fight to prevent any such move. He emphasized the significance of the plant, not just as a regional asset but as a symbol of the state's identity and development.
Botsa, addressing the media, stated that the VSP should remain under public ownership and that the YSRCP is committed to protecting it. He criticized the NDA government's stance on privatization, arguing that it goes against the spirit of the plant's creation, which was a result of significant sacrifice and dedication from the local community and leaders like Tenneti Viswanatham. Botsa highlighted that the land used for the plant was contributed by farmers and that the plant's expansion in 2008 under YSR and Manmohan Singh's leadership showcased its importance to Andhra Pradesh.
The article emphasizes the historical and emotional connection of the people to the VSP. It reminds the audience of past attempts to privatize the plant and how former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy successfully prevented it through strong opposition and direct action. Botsa expressed concern that the current situation, with the BJP not holding a majority in the central government, could be more favorable to privatization. He pointed to the recent shutdown of two furnaces as a sign of the government's strategic steps to prepare the plant for sale.
Botsa's statement represents a strong and vocal opposition to the privatization of the VSP. He demanded clarification from both the central and state governments about their intentions regarding the plant's future. He also called on the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to take a public stance on the matter, emphasizing that this is not just a political issue but one of public sentiment and self-respect. The article ends by suggesting that the YSRCP is prepared to take any action necessary to protect the VSP, underscoring the seriousness of their commitment to the cause.
Source: Will fight to protect Vizag Steel Plant, says YSRCP leader Botsa Satyanarayana