Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout in the Kerala Assembly, accusing the state government of neglecting the demands of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, who have been protesting for better wages and benefits.
The opposition alleged that the government had failed to address the concerns of ASHA workers despite their crucial role in the healthcare system. They claimed that the Left government was turning a blind eye to their struggles and demanded immediate action to resolve the crisis.
Minister for Excise and Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, defended the government’s stance. He stated that negotiations with ASHA representatives had failed due to the ‘stubborn attitude’ of protest leaders, whom he accused of being ‘politically motivated.’
The protest by ASHA workers has been ongoing, with demands for a hike in their honorarium and recognition of their work under better employment conditions. With tensions escalating, the opposition warned of intensified protests if the government failed to act.
