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Andhra Minister Lokesh Credits Kumaraswamy for Saving Vizag Steel Plant

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh publicly credited Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for ensuring the revival of the Visakhapatnam steel plant, which was facing shutdown. Lokesh stated that Kumaraswamy honored his commitment to protect the plant, which is now on a path to recovery and profitability. He also linked Kumaraswamy's efforts to a new major green steel facility being established in Anakapalli. Lokesh highlighted the long-standing political relationship between their families, dating back to the United Front government.

Key Points: Lokesh Credits Kumaraswamy for Vizag Steel Revival

  • Vizag Steel saved from closure
  • Kumaraswamy assured protection
  • Plant now recovering
  • New green steel facility announced
  • Decades-long political alliance
2 min read

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh credits Kumaraswamy for Vizag Steel revival​

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh thanks Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for preventing the closure of Vizag Steel Plant and bringing new investment.

"He honoured his commitment. Today, the plant is back on the path of recovery - Nara Lokesh"

Raichur, April 4

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resource Development Nara Lokesh on Saturday credited Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy with ensuring the revival of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited at Visakhapatnam, which was facing the threat of closure or privatisation.​

Addressing a large gathering in Raichur, Lokesh said the Vizag Steel Plant holds deep emotional significance for the people of Andhra Pradesh, often reflected in the sentiment: "Vizag Steel is the right of the people of Andhra."​

He noted that due to policy decisions of the previous state government in Andhra Pradesh, the plant had reached a critical stage and was at risk of being shut down or privatised.​

Lokesh stated that after assuming office as Union Steel Minister, Kumaraswamy had assured that the plant would be protected. ​

"He honoured his commitment. Today, the plant is back on the path of recovery and moving towards profitability," he said.​

Recalling the sequence of events, Lokesh mentioned that he had consistently urged Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat to take up the matter with Kumaraswamy in New Delhi. During one such interaction, he was connected by phone with the Union Minister, who made a direct appeal to save the plant.​

"In response, Kumaraswamy assured me, 'Brother, please be at ease. Leave the matter to me.' He stood by his word and ensured that the Vizag Steel Plant was safeguarded. For this, the people of Andhra Pradesh remain deeply grateful to him," Lokesh stated.​

He further highlighted that recently, the foundation stone was laid for one of India's largest green steel manufacturing facilities at Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh, being established through a collaboration. ​

He credited Kumaraswamy's efforts as a key factor in bringing this major investment to the state.​

Speaking on the longstanding relationship between their families, Lokesh said the association dates back over three decades. ​

He recalled that during the United Front government at the Centre, his father, N. Chandrababu Naidu, played a key role, while H.D. Deve Gowda served as Prime Minister.​

"Today, as Kumaraswamy serves as a Union Minister, I feel fortunate to stand alongside him on this platform," Lokesh said, expressing his gratitude.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's refreshing to see cross-party cooperation for a public asset. Too often, these projects get caught in political blame games. If the plant is truly on a path to profitability, that's what matters most for the nation.
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Priya S
While I'm happy the plant is saved, the article reads like a political speech. Lokesh is crediting Kumaraswamy, but what about the detailed revival plan? What are the concrete steps being taken? We need transparency, not just gratitude. The "previous government" blame game is also getting old.
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Rohit P
As someone from Vizag, this is emotional. "Vizag Steel is the right of the people of Andhra" - this sentiment is 100% true. Thousands of families depend on it. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 The green steel plant in Anakapalli is the cherry on top. Future-looking move.
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Karthik V
Good to see a Union Minister from Karnataka helping an industry in Andhra. This is the federal cooperation India needs. Hope this sets a precedent for other struggling PSUs across states. The focus should be on making them efficient, not just saving them.
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Aman W
The mention of the 30-year-old political family connection is interesting. While personal rapport helps, I hope the plant's revival is based on solid economic policy and not just old alliances. The proof will be in sustained profits and job security.

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