Tensions Rise as Youth Congress Supports Striking ASHA Workers

A Youth Congress march expressing solidarity with protesting ASHA workers turned violent as police used water cannons to disperse activists. The ASHA workers demand increased honorariums and retirement benefits. The Kerala government paid pending dues, while the central government has yet to contribute their share.

On Thursday, a Youth Congress march in solidarity with protesting ASHA workers descended into chaos as police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. The protest, aimed at demanding better honorariums and retirement benefits for ASHA workers, saw activists throwing objects at police, resulting in minor injuries.

The protesters tried to storm the state secretariat, met with police barricades. Despite provocations, police maintained restraint. The Kerala government credited all pending payments to ASHA workers, while the Union Government’s contribution remains unpaid, sparking further discontent among workers.

Health Minister Veena George criticized the central government for failing to recognize ASHA workers' rights and promised to join protests demanding overdue payments. Meanwhile, BJP leaders accused the state government of diverting blame to cover its shortcomings, as tensions over unresolved wage issues persist.