LDF supports ASHA, anganwadi workers in Kerala protests

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has urged ASHA and anganwadi workers not to get caught up in what they describe as an anti-government plot. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan addressed the striking workers, encouraging them to join forces with the government. He emphasized that the Kerala government is working hard to have the central government acknowledge the rights of various laborers, including ASHAs and mid-day meal employees. On March 21, 2025, during a press conference, Ramakrishnan claimed that the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is refusing to support scheme workers. He mentioned that the Centre has failed to repay the Kerala government for ASHAs’ honorariums, leaving an estimated debt of ₹100 crore. In response, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) organized protests aimed at the central government. Ramakrishnan warned ASHAs and anganwadi workers not to listen to harmful influences, particularly from the right-wing media. He encouraged them to participate in a nationwide general strike planned for May 20, organized by various trade unions, excluding the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS). He stated that the LDF government supports this strike. The convener pointed out that only a small number of ASHAs and anganwadi workers were participating in the strike, and he criticized the media for giving it excessive attention. He also defended the LDF’s track record, asserting that their public support will stay strong ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Ramakrishnan blamed the National Health Mission (NHM) for abandoning ASHAs and noted that these workers were not mentioned in the Union Budget. He pledged that the LDF would counter any attempts by the Congress or BJP to unjustly criticize Kerala’s State Health Minister, Veena George, regarding the welfare of ASHAs and anganwadi workers.