Land trouble in Kochi may hit govt's plan for strategic stake sale of BPCL

At least 25 unions have already called a nationwide strike protesting against the Centre's move to privatise BPCL

The central government’s plan for strategic stake sale of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) to private entities could mean a legal tussle with the Left government in Kerala over a clause on land lease related to the company’s Kochi refinery.

According to documents that Business Standard got access to, in transfer of the refinery’s land, prior approval has to be come from the state government. The CPI(M)-led government has already spearheaded the formation of ‘human chain’ in Kochi against BPCL’s privatisation. And, is unlikely to give its nod if such a clearance is required.

Sources add that the government and employee unions are