No Aid, Endless Agitations and Mounting Losses Under Jagan
This Is Not the Time for Politics, But for Standing by Bereaved Families and Strengthening Visakha Steel
Visakhapatnam, June 10: Describing the tragic accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant as deeply unfortunate, TDP State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao expressed profound condolences to the families of the employees and workers who lost their lives in the line of duty. He said the mishap had occurred at a time when both the management and workforce were making concerted efforts to restore the plant to full operational capacity, making the tragedy all the more painful.
Mr. Rao observed that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is not merely an industrial enterprise but a symbol of the sacrifices and aspirations of the Telugu people. Built with public investment exceeding ₹40,000 crore, the plant represents the collective resolve and self-respect of Andhra Pradesh, and safeguarding its future is a shared responsibility, he said.
Coalition Government Breathed New Life into the Steel Plant
Mr. Rao stated that the coalition government inherited a steel plant weighed down by financial distress and operational uncertainty. However, through sustained intervention by both the State and Central Governments, the plant has begun its journey towards recovery.
He noted that while only one blast furnace was operational during the previous regime, all three blast furnaces are functioning today. Production, which had reportedly fallen to nearly 30 per cent, has risen to around 95 per cent, with monthly hot metal production touching six lakh tonnes.
The NDA Government at the Centre, he said, extended a massive revival package of ₹11,440 crore, providing a decisive lifeline to the steel plant. He further pointed out that the same NDA Government had earlier extended assistance of ₹3,500 crore to keep the plant afloat during a critical phase.
The State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and with the support of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has also extended assistance worth nearly ₹2,600 crore through various support measures, including relief on power-related liabilities.
The Facts Andhra Pradesh Has Witnessed
Launching a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Mr. Rao said the opposition has no moral authority to speak about the future of the steel plant.
“From 2019 to 2024, during Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, not even a single paisa of financial assistance was brought from either the Centre or the State Government for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. It was during his tenure that agitations reached their peak, and it was during his tenure that the plant suffered severe financial losses. These are undeniable facts that the people of Andhra Pradesh have witnessed.”
He recalled that workers were forced to continue their agitation for nearly four years while the previous government remained a mute spectator. Those who are now shedding crocodile tears over the steel plant, he said, must first explain what they did when the institution was battling for survival.
Stop Exploiting a Tragedy for Political Gains
Mr. Rao strongly condemned attempts to politicise the recent accident, describing such actions as insensitive and irresponsible. He said it was unfortunate that even the grief and suffering of steel workers’ families were being used for political mileage.
“This is not the time for political theatrics. This is the time to stand with the affected families, support the workforce and strengthen the future of the steel plant,” he said.
Government Will Stand Firmly with the Victims’ Families
Mr. Rao stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh responded immediately following the accident and ensured that relief and rehabilitation measures were expedited.
He noted that the Central Government has announced ₹25 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹10 lakh each for those who suffered serious injuries.
In addition, as announced by Minister Nara Lokesh, families of deceased permanent employees will receive ₹2 crore compensation, permanent employment for an eligible family member, complete educational support for children and continued residential benefits. Families of deceased contract workers will receive ₹1 crore compensation, employment assistance, educational support and housing facilities.
Expansion, Safety and Workers’ Welfare Remain the Priority
Mr. Rao said the government’s focus is not merely on reviving the steel plant but on transforming it into a stronger and more competitive industrial enterprise. Plans are being pursued to expand capacity from 7.3 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes while ensuring adequate resources for long-term sustainability.
He called for a comprehensive technical investigation into the accident and a special audit of all safety protocols to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
Reaffirming the coalition government’s commitment, Mr. Rao said its objective remains clear: to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, protect the interests of workers, ensure justice to affected families and secure the long-term future of one of Andhra Pradesh’s most important industrial institutions.