VSP workers stage massive rally in protest against privatisation

In a spirited display of unity, hundreds of steel plant workers and their supporters participated in a massive march, called a “Maha Padayatra,” on Sunday. The march, organized by the Steel Plant Conservation Struggle Committee, aims to oppose the central government’s decision to privatize the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP).
The march commenced at the Kurmannapalem Deeksha Camp and culminated at the iconic GVMC Gandhi Statue. Prominent leaders from the Visakha Steel Protection Struggle Committee and representatives of various trade unions actively participated in the demonstration. Notably, Visakhapatnam Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari, Gajuwaka MLA Nagi Reddy, and several other political leaders extended their support to the cause.
The participants urged the Modi government to withdraw its privatization plans and implored political parties in the state to include their opposition to the move in their election manifestos. The march highlighted the concerns of workers and their families, emphasizing the potential negative impact of privatization on the local economy and livelihoods.
Ravulapalli Rabindranath, the state president of the AITUC, led a separate protest last week, demanding better working conditions and social security benefits for laborers, including gang workers. He criticized both the central and state governments for policies perceived as detrimental to workers’ rights.
The ongoing protests and demonstrations reflect the strong opposition to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant’s privatization.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision in light of the public outcry.