Announcement on defence equipment factory in Salem soon, says union minister H D Kumaraswamy

Salem: Union steel and heavy industries minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said an announcement regarding the establishment of a defence equipment manufacturing factory on the premises of Salem Steel Plant would be made soon.

"The proposal is currently in the early stages of discussion. A formal announcement in this regard will be made in the next four to five months," he said after attending the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Salem Steel Plant, where he did various yoga asanas along with the plant officials, members of trade unions and employees.

Addressing the media, he commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting yoga across the globe and inspiring people.

He said efforts were on to revitalize the Salem Steel Plant on the technical and marketing fronts. "In the 2003-2004 financial year, the plant was profitable. However, the profitability has since declined. The primary goal is to redevelop the plant and restore its profitability by developing various new products."

Referring to the one nation, one election policy, Kumaraswamy said the BJP was not fostering division, but promoting unity within the country. "The BJP's goal is to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, and the party is actively working to achieve this goal. Hence, some regional parties are criticizing the BJP."

On Friday, the Union minister had planted a sapling on the Salem Steel Plant premises and toured the entire facility. He had also met the representatives of labour unions and promised to address their concerns.