The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) on Sunday warned of intensified protests if the Centre proceeds with its plan of privatising Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), and sought its merger with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to help provide financial relief.Addressing a protest marking the 1,977th day of continuous sit-in demonstrations near the Gandhi statue at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office on Sunday, AITUC general secretary D. Adinarayana reminded the struggles and sacrifices made for the establishment of the VSP after a powerful mass movement under the slogan “Visakha Ukku, Andhrula Hakku (Visakha steel is the right of the people of Andhra Pradesh)”.Mr. Adinarayana asserted that any move toward the strategic sale, privatisation, or asset monetisation of the plant is unacceptable. He urged the Centre to drop its privatisation plans and implement a comprehensive revival package. Key demands raised during the protest include financial assistance, adequate working capital, and the allocation of captive iron ore mines to secure the plant’s long-term viability.“The agitation to protect VSP will continue relentlessly until the threat of privatisation is permanently removed and the plant is fully secured under the public sector,” AITUC leaders said. The protest drew strong solidarity from workers, trade union leaders, and citizens. Published - August 30, 2026 07:13 pm IST