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New Delhi: Steel Authority of India Limited's (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) has categorically denied reports suggesting that the Chhattisgarh-based facility is being considered for sale, calling the claims baseless and misleading.
The clarification follows allegations by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel that the Adani Group was planning to visit the plant, triggering political controversy over its possible privatisation.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, BSP said the Ministry of Steel had already rejected the claims through its official social media account. The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit had also declared the reports false.
The plant urged employees, stakeholders and residents of Chhattisgarh to disregard unverified claims and rely only on information issued through official channels.
Emphasising its importance to Chhattisgarh's economy, BSP said the plant remains central to the state's industrial development and identity.
"BSP is not merely an industrial establishment; it is an integral part of Chhattisgarh's identity, pride and industrial legacy. Since its inception, the plant has played a pivotal role in the state's industrial development by generating employment, supporting ancillary industries and contributing to the livelihoods of thousands of families," it said.
The company reiterated that BSP continues to operate as a major production unit of SAIL, contributing to India's steel manufacturing capacity and industrial growth.
It also cautioned against circulating misinformation that could create uncertainty among workers, their families and local communities.
The controversy began after senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel claimed that the Adani Group was preparing to visit BSP, suggesting that the proposed visit could signal plans to privatise the facility.
In an October 14 post on X, Baghel said, "It has come to light that Adani is set to visit the Bhilai Steel Plant - our BSP. Do you understand the implications of Adani's visit to the BSP? It means that Narendra Modi who is spearheading a campaign to sell off the nation, has now set his sights on our BSP. And his favored buyer is coming to conduct an inspection".
"Modi ji should realize that the BSP is the soul of Chhattisgarh. And we, the people of Chhattisgarh, will not allow it to be sold under any circumstances. Not under any circumstances," Baghel added.
He also urged BJP leaders in Chhattisgarh to oppose any move to sell the public sector facility.
Meanwhile, Bhilai Congress president Mukesh Chandrakar claimed on Sunday that speculation surrounding BSP's possible privatisation and the alleged Adani Group visit had generated resentment in the industrial township.
According to Chandrakar, employees, local traders and residents were concerned about the potential implications for employment, minimum wages and the future of BSP's township.
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However, neither the alleged visit nor any proposal to sell the plant has been established by the claims cited by Congress leaders. The Ministry of Steel and BSP have explicitly rejected reports of a proposed sale.
The controversy has nevertheless brought the future of one of Chhattisgarh's most important public sector industrial assets into political focus, despite the government's denial of any such move.
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