VIZAG: On Monday, a protest against the Centre's decision to privatise the Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Steel Plant began in this coastal city in Andhra Pradesh (VSP).
Employees at the steel company are striking in response to a demand from the committee leading the anti-privatisation movement. A demonstration was held at the plant's front entrance by leaders of numerous trade unions. They said that the strike is involving the whole plant's 25,000 employees.
The bandh in Visakhapatnam is part of a two-day statewide strike planned by a group of central trade unions to oppose government policies. A protest march was held outside the steel plant's main gate by the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee (VUPPC). They cautioned the government not to proceed with the privatisation plan. They promised to keep protesting until the government reversed its decision to privatise the factory.
Some central ministries, according to the leaders, were commenting out of ignorance of the plant. The Modi government, they claimed, was working against workers and farmers. Except for the BJP, all political parties are supporting the bandh, according to the unions. VUPPC chairman Narasinga Rao questioned, "Who granted the central government the permission to sell the plant?" He stated that the plant was created through the sacrifice of many individuals, and that they would never allow the Centre to sell it.
Activists from various Left parties and trade unions have been holding protest marches since early morning as part of the bandh. Protesters with banners and flags stopped roadways in a few locations. The protestors stated that they will continue their protests until the Centre reverses its decision on the strategic sale of VSP.
Vizag railway station to realize Centre's 'One Station, One Product'
Telugu Desam Party seeks white paper on liquor revenue in AP
