Fri Mar 21 08:12:31 UTC 2025: ## LDF Accuses BJP of Exploiting ASHA Workers’ Strike in Kerala

**Thiruvananthapuram, March 21, 2025** – The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has accused the BJP-led central government of exploiting the ongoing strike by ASHA workers for political gain. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan stated that the Centre’s refusal to recognize the labor rights of scheme workers, including ASHAs, anganwadi, and mid-day meal employees, is the root cause of the unrest. He urged striking workers not to be misled by what he termed a “political conspiracy” aimed at discrediting the Kerala government.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) is actively organizing ASHA and anganwadi workers to redirect their protests toward the central government, staging sit-ins in front of federal offices in Thiruvananthapuram. The CITU alleges the Centre has withheld approximately ₹100 crore in reimbursements for honorariums paid to ASHA workers by the state government.

Ramakrishnan affirmed the LDF government’s support for the workers’ demands for recognition as organized labor and the provision of appropriate salaries and benefits. He urged the workers to participate in the May 20 national general strike (excluding the BMS) and dismissed claims that the strike’s scope was exaggerated by right-wing media to negatively portray the state government. He expressed confidence that this “propaganda” would not affect the LDF’s popularity or electoral prospects.

Ramakrishnan further criticized the central government for its inaction regarding ASHA workers’ honorariums and its omission of ASHA workers from the Union Budget, as well as for withholding Kerala’s share of social welfare pensions. He also defended State Health Minister Veena George against accusations of failing the workers, calling them politically motivated attacks from the Congress and BJP.

Read More