Prominent film actor and social commentator Prakash Raj has launched a sharp critique against both the Central and Andhra Pradesh state governments for their moves to privatise key public sector assets, including the strategic Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He asserted that only strong, united mass movements can force governments to roll back such anti-people policies.
A Voice for Progressive Movements at CITU Conference
Prakash Raj attended the Shramik Utsav in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, January 4, as the chief guest. The event was part of the larger All India CITU Conference, which was held in the port city from December 31 to January 4. Addressing the gathering, the actor emphasised that his identity extends beyond cinema. "I am not just an actor but also a supporter of progressive thoughts and movements," he stated, aligning himself with the cause of the workers and the common public.
Privatisation Push: A Loss for the People
Raj specifically targeted the proposed disinvestment of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and the handing over of medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He argued that these actions represent a significant loss for the people of the state, depriving them of valuable public resources and affordable services. "Selling medical colleges under PPP in Andhra Pradesh is a loss to the people," he remarked, connecting economic policies directly to public welfare.
He used the occasion to offer a lesson in democratic accountability. The actor urged citizens to be more discerning with their electoral power, implying that the current situation is a result of past choices. "People should learn whom to empower in elections," he advised, calling for more informed voting.
Drawing Inspiration from Past Successes
To bolster his argument that people's movements can succeed, Prakash Raj cited a historical example from Karnataka. He recalled how citizens of Bengaluru successfully united and fought back when the government attempted to hand over 1,007 acres of precious agricultural land to private entities. This precedent, he suggested, serves as a blueprint for current protests against the privatisation of the Vizag Steel Plant and other public sector units.
His message was clear: sustained and determined public agitation is the most effective tool to halt the implementation of policies that are perceived to be against the interests of the majority. The actor's strong statements at the trade union conference are likely to add a prominent voice to the ongoing debates over disinvestment and the role of the public sector in India's development.
