Bajaj should not shut down Akurdi plant: Deshmukh

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today added his might to the forces opposed to Bajaj Auto's decision to close down its Akurdi plant. In a brief conversation with Makarand Gadgil, the chief minister said he was against the closure of the plant and that workers should not lose their jobs. Excerpts.

What is your view on Bajaj Auto's decision to close down its plant at Akurdi?

The plant should not be closed down and workers should not lose their jobs.

So, what will be your course of action in this respect?

Labour Minister Ganesh Naik and Sharad Pawar are holding a meeting on the matter. If they come up with a proposal, we will discuss it in the Cabinet. Bajaj Auto has not announced a lockout or retrenched workers. So, there is no point in talking about action at this moment.

Will you give Bajaj incentives to continue at Akurdi?

They have not asked for any incentive. They are not closing down the plant because of any incentive issue. They are closing it for other reasons.