Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s announcement at the closing of indefinite fast of Rajya Sabha member C M Ramesh that the state government itself would take the initiative for setting up of a steel plant at Kadapa, if the Centre does not grant it, has raised many eyebrows.
The question naturally arises as to why the MP was forced to take up indefinite fast when the state government itself can set up a steel plant.
Why did Naidu enact such a big drama all these years? Why didn’t he take the initiative when the Steel Authority of India Limited made it clear in 2014 itself that the steel plant at Kadapa is not feasible or financially not viable?
“Had the state government initiated the steps for a steel plant at Kadapa three and a half years ago, the steel plant would have come by this time. As per the bifurcation act, the Centre itself should build the steel plant. But with Naidu himself coming forward, the Centre will definitely not show any interest hereafter,” a CPI leader said.
YSR Congress party, too, suspects that there is something fishy behind Naidu’s announcement.
“Obviously, he is trying to benefit some vested interests in the TDP in the name of steel plant. In the past, he criticised mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy when he proposed to start Brahmani Steel Plant. Now, Naidu is doing the same,” a YSRC leader said.
However, analysts say Naidu made the statement just to gain the political mileage and he has no plans whatsoever to construct a steel plant at Kadapa.
But since the Telangana government made such an announcement that it could construct the Bayyaram steel plant on its own, Naidu also was compelled to make the same statement to appease the people and find an excuse to get his party MP withdraw his fast!
