Local media reported that amid the ongoing opposition against the centre's move of privatizing Rashtriya Ispat Nigam’s Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, all political parties in Andhra Pradesh, except the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Jana Sena Party have decided to unite against the decision and decided to stage a protest in New Delhi to oppose the centre's privatization plan on August 2-3. The alliance of the opposition also raised the demand to the state government to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi and even sought their direct participation in the Dharna. Representatives of the committee would leave for Delhi on July 20 to explain the situation to the Parliamentary party leaders and elicit their support. They described the privatisation move as a measure to play with the self respect of the people of Andhra.

 

The move is supported by five political parties including Congress, TDP, CPI, CPM, AAP and other mass organizations of union workers. The Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee has called upon the steel plant workers to make the Chalo Parliament a success.

 

Trade unions and labour unions have been agitating since the past five months at the Steel Plant. But the Union government is going ahead with the privatization process. On July 8, the central government has decided to appoint financial, legal and technical advisors for fastening the process of privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The decision faced backlash as agitating workers and union leaders staged an impromptu sit-in protest for over two hours, some of the workers were not even allowed to enter the plant.

 

A was also filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court last week challenging the Central government’s decision of privatization. The High Court issued notices to both State and Central governments.

 

source：SteelGuru Business News