The AP Government laid out a red carpet welcome to the South Korean steel firm POSCO to set up a factory in Vizag. Look like the Centre and State Government have teamed up to hand over the valuable Vizag Steel Plant lands which were allotted following a massive struggle and sacrifice of the Andhra People. A non-binding MoU between POSCO and RINL had also made in October 2019. It is learnt that the POSCO representatives who tried to put up a steel factory in some other states got approval finally in Vizag with the Centre’s consent. However, the state governments were left clueless when POSCO asked for an allocation of 3000 acres at a single location to establish its factory. Though, Odisha was keen on offering the land to POSCO it has to change its decision following stiff opposition from the native tribes. Similarly, attempts by Jharkhand government too failed.
As the Union Minister for Steel
Dharmendra Pradhan assuming charge as the Union Minister for Steel had paved the way for the establishment of the POSCO industry in Andhra Pradesh. The POSCO officials having met the Union Minister several times had visited the Vizag Steel Plant and inspected the lands. On the other hand, it was learnt that the Centre took extreme care in ensuring that the mater was not leaked out. However, the employees and unions traced out the matter and began an agitation against the developments. It was then that the VSP Management assured all its employees that no step would be taken in this regard without having informed them. Contrary to this, due to the pressure from the Centre, several talks with POSCO were carried out in the presence of AP CM YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Now, the POSCO management moved forward with their plans only after having obtained a prior clearance. The images of AP CM holding meet with POSCO officials were also displayed by former minister and senior TDP leader Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu during a public meeting in Gajuwaka.
