Synopsis
The Asha workers' protest in Thiruvananthapuram has reached its 36th day, with plans for an indefinite fast starting Thursday. Their demands include significant wage increases and overdue payments.Key Takeaways
- Protest has lasted for 36 days
- Asha workers demand wage increase to Rs 21,000
- Indefinite fast scheduled to start Thursday
- Support from Congress leaders for the protest
- Government under scrutiny from various parties
Thiruvananthapuram, March 17 (NationPress) The protest by Kerala's Asha workers in front of the state Secretariat has reached its 36th day as of Monday. Starting Thursday, three Asha workers will initiate an indefinite fast until their demands are addressed.
Numerous Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are demonstrating by lying on the road under the intense summer sun, resulting in seven of them fainting and requiring immediate hospitalization.
Their demands include an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, retirement benefits, and the settlement of outstanding payments.
On Monday, a consistent presence of prominent Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala, showed support for the blockade initiated by the protesters, obstructing the primary road to the Secretariat.
“It’s deeply regrettable that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remains a passive observer to the events unfolding in front of his office. The days when the Left expressed sympathy for the working class are over; Vijayan has transformed into a staunch rightist,” Satheesan remarked.
In response to the Congress's criticism, T.P. Ramakrishnan, the ruling Left Democratic Front convenor and CPI-M legislator, asserted that while the protesters could resolve their strike, there are certain vested interests behind their actions, leaving the state government powerless.
“The decision now lies with them; the state government is not involved,” Ramakrishnan stated.
The CPI-M-led government under Vijayan faces intense scrutiny not only from the Congress-led UDF and the BJP but also from various community sectors. As each day passes, support for the Asha workers grows, with attention now focused on the upcoming indefinite fast commencing Thursday.
