What is it about this Navratna company that Thalapathy Vijay has set his sights on? Know all details

New Delhi: The Central Government and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay—popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay—are at odds over the sale of a stake in a government-owned company. The Central Government intends to sell a portion of its stake in NLC India Limited (formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation).

Thalapathy Vijay has strongly opposed this proposal. The company is listed on the stock market and has generated substantial profits for investors.
Chief Minister Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the disinvestment, urging the Central Government to reconsider the decision. He emphasized that NLC India shares a deep, historic bond with Tamil Nadu; therefore, the state government is fundamentally opposed to any move to reduce the government's stake in the company.

How ​​crucial is this company to Tamil Nadu?

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Vijay highlighted the significance of NLC India, explaining just how vital the company is to the state. Thalapathy Vijay noted the following points: NLC India is not merely an ordinary listed company; it is a strategic national asset linked to the country's energy security, mineral development, and critical infrastructure.
Any reduction in the government's stake—however limited—would set an undesirable and flawed precedent regarding the ownership of such vital public assets.
This decision is not limited to financial matters alone; it would directly impact the long-term interests of the state's people and the nation's energy security.

What returns has the stock generated?

NLC India Limited has delivered impressive returns to investors. On Friday, the stock closed at ₹320.20, down 1.63%. Barring a recent dip, its performance has been strong. It has yielded a return of approximately 25% over the last six months and surged by about 40% over the past year. Over a five-year period, the stock has risen by 400%. In other words, it has delivered a 5-fold return to investors.