Published 14 days ago • loading... • Updated 13 days ago
Tragedy at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant: Minister Lokesh Stands with Bereaved Families
Opposition parties and trade unions called the minister’s comments insensitive after a heated exchange with grieving families, as eight workers died in the blast, officials said.
On Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics and Communication Nara Lokesh visited King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam to console families of workers killed in a catastrophic explosion at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
The tragedy occurred Monday when a catastrophic explosion at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited facility claimed the lives of eight workers and left six others critically injured.
During his hospital visit, Lokesh told trade union leaders, "No one in your family has died; I am speaking with the families of those who have lost their loved ones," sparking political controversy as videos circulated online.
Leaders of the YSR Congress Party accused the Minister of making insensitive remarks, while TDP leaders defended Lokesh, arguing he was focused on consoling grieving families during union leader interruptions.
Lokesh emphasized the government's commitment to supporting affected families, stating, "We are committed to stand by these affected families." A three-member expert committee was examining the accident circumstances and will recommend stringent action.