CPI(M) Urges Action on US Tariffs, Opposes Vizag Steel Privatisation

Rapid Summary

• The CPI(M) has urged the Central and State governments too act against steep tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian exports, warning of adverse effects on Andhra Pradesh’s economy.
• Industries impacted include aquaculture, textiles, garments, and spinning mills-thousands of livelihoods in these sectors are at risk.

– Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector is already struggling due to falling shrimp prices; it directly supports 2.5 lakh farmers and numerous workers. CPI(M) demands subsidies on power, feed, and seed costs and alternative export markets to address this crisis.
– Textile sector exports worth ₹20,000 crore could be hit hard; nearly 35% of spinning mills have shut down due to rising electricity costs.

• CPI(M) criticized removal of cotton import duties for harming Indian farmers while demanding export subsidies as compensation.
• The party condemned U.S policies as threats to India’s sovereignty while calling for Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to protect national interests.
• Accusations made regarding efforts toward privatizing Visakhapatnam Steel Plant through new tendering processes that reduce roles for permanent workers in favor of contractors overseeing production operations. Concerns raised over higher production costs and safety risks.
• On Polavaram dam construction projects: demanded public release of foreign expert committee recommendations, proper documentation transparency for rehabilitation works completion by march 2026.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The concerns raised by CPI(M) reflect critically important vulnerabilities in critical sectors like aquaculture, textiles, garments manufacturing industries within Andhra Pradesh amidst global trade policy shifts from influential nations such-imposed American tarifs measures . Noncompetitive perhaps viewpoint relaxation further dialogue inter nation avenues