Kumaraswamy OK...do you have to convince Modi?
A cold, resolute word came from the mouth of the Union minister of Steel. HD Kumaraswamy, the Union Steel minister, gave a firm assurance that the visakha Steel Plant would not be privatized under any circumstances. This statement brought a wave of relief to the people of Uttar Andhra and the employees of the steel plant, who had been waiting for such reassurance for the last three and a half years. This is the first time a statement of this clarity and firmness has been made.
Back in february 2021, signals from the center suggested the privatization of steel, leading to widespread uncertainty and concern. From that time until now, no one had provided the kind of clarity that Kumaraswamy did. Under the previous central government, the steel department was managed by bjp members. However, the department is now under the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), a close ally of the current administration. Kumaraswamy’s party, a regional entity, staunchly opposes privatization. In contrast, the bjp is known for its disinvestment policy, believing that the central government should not be involved in business operations. This approach has been applied not only to the visakha Steel Plant but also to many other public sector organizations.
In this context, Union minister Kumaraswamy visited visakha Steel and conducted a comprehensive review with senior officials. He toured the visakha Steel Plant to understand the ongoing activities and engaged with expatriates who had provided land for the steel plant, as well as with the employees of the trade unions. This visit and review solidified his understanding and bolstered his resolve to keep the steel plant under public ownership, bringing a much-needed sense of security and stability to the region.
Back in february 2021, signals from the center suggested the privatization of steel, leading to widespread uncertainty and concern. From that time until now, no one had provided the kind of clarity that Kumaraswamy did. Under the previous central government, the steel department was managed by bjp members. However, the department is now under the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), a close ally of the current administration. Kumaraswamy’s party, a regional entity, staunchly opposes privatization. In contrast, the bjp is known for its disinvestment policy, believing that the central government should not be involved in business operations. This approach has been applied not only to the visakha Steel Plant but also to many other public sector organizations.
In this context, Union minister Kumaraswamy visited visakha Steel and conducted a comprehensive review with senior officials. He toured the visakha Steel Plant to understand the ongoing activities and engaged with expatriates who had provided land for the steel plant, as well as with the employees of the trade unions. This visit and review solidified his understanding and bolstered his resolve to keep the steel plant under public ownership, bringing a much-needed sense of security and stability to the region.