Thu Dec 26 23:18:11 UTC 2024: **Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief Accuses Modi Government of Betraying Visakha Steel Plant**
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila has accused the Narendra Modi government of misleading the people of Andhra Pradesh regarding the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Sharmila alleges a conspiracy to sell the plant at a low price to Modi’s associates, despite claims of no privatization plans. She highlighted the disparity in government funding, noting that Karnataka received ₹15,000 crore to support its steel plant (employing 243 people), while the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (employing 26,000) is neglected. Sharmila criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for focusing on a new plant with Mittal Steel instead of demanding the Visakhapatnam plant’s revival. The Congress demands the plant’s merger with SAIL, immediate production of 7 million tonnes, and future expansion to 20 million tonnes. Failure to meet these demands, Sharmila warned, should prompt the TDP and Jana Sena Party to withdraw their support from the NDA government.
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