Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila on Wednesday joined a sit-in hunger strike here in support of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant contract workers, who were allegedly sacked by the plant's management. The Congress leader demanded the restoration of jobs for as many as 2,000 contract workers, who were allegedly sacked recently.
"In support of workers at the VSP protest site, APCC chief YS Sharmila Reddy began an indefinite hunger strike," said a press release from the Congress party. Sharmila demanded the immediate restoration of jobs to the affected workers. Several Congress leaders and party cadres attended the protest in the port city.
Sharmila Reddy had issued a stern ultimatum to the management of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, demanding the immediate reinstatement of 2,000 terminated contract workers and the settlement of dues owed to permanent employees. She also called for the complete reversal of the 2021 decision to privatise the public sector enterprise.
Addressing reporters on Monday, Sharmila warned that she would launch an indefinite hunger strike outside the plant premises from 21 May if her demands were not met by Tuesday. “The Congress party will not remain silent as thousands of families are pushed into uncertainty. We are prepared to fight and, if need be, sacrifice for the steel plant and the rights of its workers,” she said.
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Sharmila launched a scathing attack on the plant’s management, accusing it of functioning in an “autocratic and insensitive” manner. She alleged that the leadership had failed to show any concern for the well-being of workers, despite a strike scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
“The management is acting as if it has no accountability, no humanity,” she said.
“Even with the livelihoods of thousands hanging in the balance, there has been no corrective action taken. It is an alarming display of apathy.”
The Congress leader also alleged that the management was now plotting to lay off an additional 3,000 contract workers. “Having already rendered 2,000 contract workers jobless, the administration is now conspiring to throw another 3,000 onto the streets. This is inhuman and unacceptable,” she said.
In a strongly worded statement, Sharmila condemned the suspension of employees who spoke out against the plant’s recent decisions, describing the action as a “draconian move” aimed at silencing dissent. She asserted that the Congress party would stand firmly with the workers and their families during this critical time.
The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s industrial progress, has been at the centre of controversy since the Central government announced plans to privatise it in 2021. Trade unions, opposition parties, and local residents have consistently opposed the move, arguing that it threatens jobs and undermines public sector interests.
With tensions set to escalate from Tuesday, the spotlight is now on the plant’s management and the Centre’s response to Sharmila’s ultimatum. As the Congress leadership raises the political pitch, the coming days may prove decisive in the long-running struggle over the future of the steel plant.
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