YSRCP Slams Coalition’s Silence on VSP Privatization, Vows Action Plan

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the TDP-JSP-BJP coalition government of maintaining double standards on the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), alleging that the coalition leaders who once opposed the move have now fallen silent after coming to power.

Addressing the media in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, former minister Gudivada Amarnath said that while retrenchment and voluntary retirement schemes (VRS) continue to trouble VSP employees, the coalition government has chosen not to raise the issue.

“During the elections, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy categorically stated that every vote for the coalition was a vote for privatization. His words have come true, as private players—escorted by police—are touring 32 departments identified for disinvestment,” Amarnath said.

The YSRCP leader played video clips of Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, and Rammohan Naidu, highlighting their earlier opposition to VSP privatization, contrasting it with their current silence. He also recalled how the YSRCP government under Jagan Mohan Reddy had passed a resolution in the Assembly against privatization, a stance even acknowledged by Union Minister Kumaraswamy.

“Employees are being forcibly shown the door. YSRCP has stood by its word and will soon announce an action plan to intensify the fight,” Amarnath added.

Turning his attack towards the coalition, he accused its leaders of using Visakhapatnam only as a venue for political events while neglecting issues concerning the steel plant and its workers. “For events, they come to Vizag. For payments and benefits, they look to Amaravati,” he remarked.

Amarnath further criticized the coalition’s constant targeting of the Rushikonda Resort, terming it a “publicity stunt.” He pointed out that a recent government order on the resort’s utilization itself referred to it as “Rushikonda Resort,” exposing what he called a bluff. “They repeatedly highlight a broken false ceiling at Rushikonda, but conveniently ignore the poor condition of the Secretariat built at huge expense under Chandrababu Naidu,” he said, showing visuals to the media.

The YSRCP reiterated that it would stand firmly against the privatization of VSP and rally support to protect the interests of its employees.

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