CITU Leader Refutes BJP Claims on ‘Saving’ Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
A leader of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has strongly countered the BJP’s claims that it saved the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) from privatisation. He said the Centre’s statements were misleading and did not reflect the actual financial and operational situation of the plant.
The CITU leader pointed out that even after the revival of the third blast furnace earlier this year, in 2025, the steel plant continued to incur heavy losses, amounting to nearly ₹1,000 crore. He argued that restarting a blast furnace alone cannot be projected as a major turnaround, especially when the plant is burdened with financial stress and policy uncertainty.
He further alleged that the Union government had failed to provide adequate support in terms of raw material allocation, working capital, and long-term revival measures. According to him, employees and trade unions played a key role in protecting the plant through sustained struggles.
The leader demanded a clear commitment from the Centre to strengthen VSP as a fully public sector enterprise and ensure its long-term viability.
