Priyanka Gandhi’s Solidarity For Protesting ASHA Workers
Thiruvananthapuram, 1 March 2025: Wayanad MP and senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has extended her support to Kerala’s ASHA workers, who have been protesting for over two weeks demanding fair wages and benefits. Criticising the ruling CPM government for its apathy, she pledged that the Congress-led UDF would ensure justice for them if voted to power next year.
“ASHA workers are one of the greatest strengths of our public health system, selflessly serving communities, especially in times of crisis. They became an integral part of India’s healthcare network during Dr Manmohan Singh’s first term as Prime Minister,” Priyanka Gandhi stated.
She highlighted their crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic and their continued contributions to maternal and child healthcare. “From risking their lives on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 to providing maternal care and health services to countless families across India, they have ensured that healthcare reaches even the most marginalised,” she added.
The protest, organised by the ASHA Health Workers Association, has seen thousands of workers staging an indefinite strike in front of the government secretariat for the past 17 days. Their primary demands include raising their monthly remuneration from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000, retirement benefits of ₹5 lakh, and other essential allowances. Currently, with incentives, their earnings do not exceed ₹13,000—a stark contrast to their counterparts in Karnataka and Telangana, who receive significantly better wages.
Priyanka Gandhi condemned the Kerala government’s response to the protest, calling it disgraceful. “Their fight is a fight for dignity and respect. It is appalling that women who are the backbone of society should have to beg for their rights like this. Instead of justice, all they have got from the Kerala government is apathy and attempts to silence them,” she said.
The CPM-led government has been accused of suppressing the agitation, with reports of police cases being filed against the protesters. On Wednesday, police booked several ASHA workers for allegedly blocking roads. Social activist Joseph C Mathew, a former IT advisor to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, was also named in the case after addressing the protestors.
The ruling CPM’s top leaders have openly dismissed the stir. Party state secretary M V Govindan and former MP Elamaram Kareem have strongly criticised the protests, with Kareem calling it an agitation led by “insignificant and anarchist outfits.” The CPM-backed ASHA workers’ forum had earlier raised similar demands but withdrew their strike after receiving government assurances—promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
Resentment against the government’s stance is growing, with several social activists, celebrities, and opposition leaders rallying behind the protesting ASHA workers. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has also extended his solidarity. Many argue that ASHA workers, hailed as the backbone of Kerala’s healthcare system, deserve fair wages and recognition for their service, particularly in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kerala government, however, has shifted the blame to the Centre, stating that ASHA workers fall under the National Health Mission, a centrally sponsored scheme. Despite this, the Congress has vowed to take action if voted to power.
“The Indian National Congress stands in unwavering solidarity with Kerala’s ASHA workers. My sisters, your fight will not be in vain. When the UDF comes to power next year, we will ensure that your wages are raised and that you receive the respect and recognition that you rightfully deserve,” Priyanka Gandhi assured.
