YS Sharmila criticizes central government over Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

YS Sharmila, Chief of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has sharply criticized the central government for its handling of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, accusing it of either deliberately obstructing the plant’s operations or plotting its privatization.

YS Sharmila questioned whether the central government intends to “kill” the plant by withholding necessary funds or if it is indeed saving it from privatization. The steel plant is burdened with a debt of ₹6,000 crores and is struggling with a lack of raw materials for steel production. The management is also facing difficulties in paying this month’s salaries, while the central government appears indifferent, according to YS Sharmila.

YS Sharmila further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been re-elected for a third term with support from Andhra Pradesh MPs, alleging that Modi is engaging in a double game with the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Despite public denials of privatization, she accused Modi of secretly conspiring to hand over the plant to his allies. YS Sharmila claimed that the plant is being pushed to the brink without any financial assistance and warned that privatization plans involving major industrialists such as Adani, Ambani, and Jindal may soon be set.

In her statement, YS Sharmila called on Andhra Pradesh BJP leaders, as well as coalition partners TDP and Jana Sena, to act decisively. She demanded an immediate announcement of financial aid if there is a genuine commitment to the plant’s future and urged the provision of necessary raw materials without delay. YS Sharmila also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments to restore the plant to its previous operational glory, a demand put forth on behalf of the Congress Party.