The Hindu Business Line : BJP opposes HSL privatisation

VISAKHAPATNAM: The city unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded that the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd and Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels Ltd (BHPV) should remain in the public sector.

At a press meet here on Thursday, the city BJP president, Mr B. Rangamohan, referred to the recent media reports about the possible privatisation of HSL and BHPV in a phased manner.

"We are told that the HSL is being privatised. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government is not taking any steps to come to its rescue. While we sought capital restructuring for the HSL, the Centre ignored our plea and implemented capital re-structuring in the case of Cochin Shipyard Ltd which is now doing well," he said and demanded that similar assistance be provided to the HSL.

The BJP would raise the issue in Parliament through its party leaders to bring pressure on the Government, he said and urged the Congress Government in the State to make efforts to save HSL and BHPV by re-structuring both the units.