Raghavulu demands support for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

B.V. Raghavulu, a leader of the CPI(M), criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for blaming the previous government for rising power charges. He stated that a recent ₹11,000 crore financial package was not meant to save the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) but to help it pay off debts. Raghavulu called for the allocation of captive mines to VSP, its merger with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and the cancellation of plans for a strategic sale of the plant. He expressed support for workers on hunger strike at VSP, stating the financial package would not benefit them. He also challenged Naidu's claims about electricity charges and criticized the central government's agreements affecting state interests. Raghavulu argued that the Centre's actions threaten state autonomy and the balance of power among states.