In a continuation of a months-long struggle against the BJP-led Centre's decision to disinvest from Andhra Pradesh's historic Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), the leaders of an all-party union, affiliated to the VSP workers' unions, today organised a padayatra in the state.
The body held the protest to demand that the union government withdraw its decision to privatise the historic plant immediately. The rally started at Kurmanapalem junction and ended at Duvvada. Scores of VSP workers took part in the rally.
As part of the march, the protesters visited the homes of those who had given up their lands for the establishment of the plant.
Speaking on the occasion, the workers said that they were not willing to accept nor tolerate the move to privatise the plant. They added that they would hold a 'Chalo Parliament' rally on August 1 and 2, asking that the plant be "protected" and asserted that they would continue their struggle till the Centre withdrew its decision to disinvest.
With today's rally, the agitation sparked by the privatisation bid entered its 164th day.
In the last few months, there have been several massive demonstrations across the state. Former minister and TDP MLA from Visakhapatnam North, Ganta Srinivasa Rao even
tendered his resignation in protest, some months ago. Further, in March, the state had also witnessed an
all-party bandh against this "anti-people" move of the Centre.