Sharmila Slams Govt for Bias Towards Private Investors

Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y. S. Sharmila has accused the Centre and State of favouring private firms while neglecting the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which supports thousands of workers.

In a post on X, she cited massive incentives reportedly extended to Mittal Steel including large subsidies , long-term GST exemptions, and low-cost power questioning why similar support is denied to the public sector plant. She also pointed to resource allocations from Bailadila Mines and other infrastructure benefits being extended to private players.

Sharmila said the steel plant, employing around 35,000 people, is being pushed towards privatization despite its importance to the state economy. She argued that limited financial support could help revive the unit.

She demanded the plant’s merger with the Steel Authority of India Limited and called for the reinstatement of 17,000 laid-off contract workers . She affirmed that protests against pro-corporate policies would continue.