The Congress claimed on Saturday (August 17, 2024) that the government had gone against its word and was preparing to privatize the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar, Chhattisgarh after not listening to what political leadership of the state said.
The Opposition Party’s General Secretary In-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh posted a media report on X claiming that the Union Ministry of Finance would be inviting financial bids for NMDC Steel (NSL), Chhattisgarh-based company in next two months.
“Kya hua tera waada, Woh kasam woh irada! It seems like NMDC Steel in Bastar will be privatized before FY25 ends.
“Aap chronology samajhiye: On October 3, 2023, the non-biological PM inaugurated the Steel Plant and promised that the Nagarnar Steel Plant is the property of the people of Bastar and will remain with them,” Mr. Ramesh said on X.
“On October 19, 2023 Swayambhu Chanakya repeated this promise by PM not to privatised NMDC’s Bastar Steel Plant,” Congress leader wrote in his post adding that there is a consensus in Chhattisgarh against sale of steel plant.
“He said this in a video message he addressed to Modi.” He explained.
Even former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had written several times to Indian Prime Minister opposing selling off this factory; he even offered that State Government would take over its operations during NITI Aayog meeting with Prime Minister held on February 21, 2021 as highlighted by Mr. Ramesh.
“After failing to heed the words of the State’s political leadership, and going back on their own promises, non-biological PM and his government are now finalizing plans for selling Nagarnar Steel Plant. Who may well buy it is another story,” Mr. Ramesh said.
He also shared a media report from October 2023 which quoted Home Minister Amit Shah as saying that the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) owned Nagarnar Steel Plant will not be privatized.