Heated debate over Visakha steel plant privatization rocks AP Legislative Council

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed fiery exchanges on Thursday during discussions on the privatization of the Visakha Steel Plant. The debate escalated between Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan and Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members vocally opposing privatization efforts.

Pawan Kalyan stated that if the previous YSRCP government had acted sincerely, the question of privatizing the iconic steel plant would not have arisen. This comment sparked a sharp reaction from YSRCP leaders, who chanted slogans like “Jai Jagan” and disrupted the House proceedings, forcing the Chairman to adjourn the session for ten minutes. Government’s position on privatization Minister TG Bharath clarified the government's stand, asserting there was no intention of privatizing the Visakha Steel Plant.

However, he acknowledged the financial and operational challenges facing the plant, emphasizing that steps are underway to address them. Meanwhile, YSRCP MLC Varudu Kalyani expressed concerns, stating that actions like the non-payment of contract employees' salaries and suggestions to merge the plant with SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) were indicative of privatization moves.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan reiterated his commitment to preventing the plant's privatization, saying, “The steel plant belongs to Andhra Pradesh, not any individual or region.” He also mentioned earlier efforts, including bringing the matter to Central Home Minister Amit Shah’s attention and resisting land sales proposed under previous governments.

Opposition’s counter Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana defended the YSRCP's past actions, saying that selling land was a temporary solution to address immediate financial issues. He recalled former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s statement in the Assembly, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt privatization efforts. Botsa questioned why no all-party meeting was convened to address the crisis, to which Pawan Kalyan responded that sustained efforts for a solution could have averted the current situation.

In addition to the steel plant issue, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan addressed concerns about air pollution in Visakhapatnam. He stated that air quality in the city is within permissible standards, and the World Health Organization has not issued any warnings. He also revealed that a report on water pollution is awaited from Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), and appropriate action would follow based on its findings.

Pawan Kalyan criticized previous allocations for pollution control, noting that of the ₹121 crore sanctioned by the Center, only Rs 19 crore was utilized effectively. He assured that the State government would prioritize environmental concerns in Vizag.