It is a known fact that the Visakha Steel Plant is a matter of pride for people of Northern Andhra Pradesh, especially to the people of Visakhapatnam. In the past, people of the state had even participated in grand scale rallies, with the slogan ‘Visakha Ukku Andhrula Hakku’ (Visakha Steel is right of Andhras), when Visakha Steel Plant was being considered to be privatised. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu was also a part of this protest back then.
Now, with the Central Government once again making moves to privatise Visakha Steel Plant, a lot of chaos is ensuing in Visakhapatnam, with agitations being carried on in the port city. Andhra Pradesh BJP President Somu Veerraju is now bearing the brunt of the people and the opposition parties, as he has not been able to convince the Center from not privatising Visakha Steel Plant.
Interestingly, things have not been so good for the BJP ever since Somu Veerraju became the President, as he has not been uttering anything opposing the YSRCP government. He lost his golden opportunity to show his devotion to the state of Andhra Pradesh and its people, when he was not able to question the YSRCP government, with respect to the vandalisation of the Ramatheertham idol.
On the other hand, the government is facing serious criticism from everywhere, with popular opinions like the government being more interested in clearing its cases, than being interested in the welfare of the people of the state. It is now to be seen what will happen, and if the Central Government will take back its decision.