Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Y. S. Sharmila has issued a rallying cry against the Centre’s alleged moves to privatize the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and institute mass layoffs. Speaking at a workers’ solidarity event, she warned that the party would mobilize “even if it costs us our lives” to defend the plant and its employees.
“VSP was born under Congress, and it thrived. Today, the BJP is deliberately starving it—laying off staff, blocking raw‐material supplies, and denying captive mines,” Sharmila charged. “This isn’t revival; it’s a conspiracy to hand it over to private players like Adani.”
“Andhras’ Right—Visakha Steel” Revived
Invoking the potent slogan “Andhras’ Right—Visakha Steel,” Sharmila vowed to resurrect the movement that once united the state. She disputed the Centre’s claim of a ₹11,000 crore bailout, explaining that ₹8,000 crore was reclaimed as loan repayments and the remaining ₹3,000 crore came with the condition of cutting 5,000 jobs.
“Nominally they announced ₹11,000 crore, but in practice workers pay the price,” she said, calling out the government’s tactics.
Challenge to State Leadership
Sharmila did not spare the state’s ruling coalition, directly questioning Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan: “Are you complicit in this conspiracy? Are you serving Modi’s interests over our own workers? Why have you stood by as thousands face unemployment?”
Stakes and Next Steps
With VSP’s workforce on edge, the Congress plans a series of protests and hunger strikes across Visakhapatnam and other industrial towns. Sharmila pledged that the party will press its demands in Parliament and on the streets until the Centre reverses layoffs, restores full funding, and keeps VSP under public ownership.
“If protecting honest laborers means laying down our lives, so be it,” Sharmila declared to thunderous applause.
As tensions mount, all eyes are on the plant’s board and both central and state leaders for a decisive response. Visakhapatnam Steel—once a beacon of regional pride—now stands at the epicenter of a fierce political showdown over privatization, jobs, and Andhra Pradesh’s economic future.
