Candlelight rally protests Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatization

Protesters in Visakhapatnam held a candlelight rally on Saturday to mark 1,500 days of protest against the planned sale of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The rally was organized by the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee, which opposes the government's move to privatize the plant announced in 2021. The protesters formed a human chain stretching from Kurmannapalem to Vadlapudi Junction. Another rally is planned for March 23, starting from Old Gajuwaka and going to Kurmannapalem. Committee leaders expressed disappointment with the government, claiming it has not met their demands. They are asking for the plant to be merged with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and for the disinvestment announcement to be withdrawn. One leader, J. Ayodhyaram, criticized the government's actions as insufficient and slow, suggesting they indicate a strategy to privatize the plant gradually. Fellow leader V. Srinivasa Rao also mentioned that the government's revival package has not solved ongoing issues, including those faced by employees who have accepted voluntary retirement. Additionally, several leaders brought attention to the lack of leadership at the company. No candidates have been selected for the position of Director (Finance), and the post of Chief Managing Director has been vacant for six months. Workers' salaries remain unpaid despite the announced revival package.