Congress MP and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has voiced strong support for the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers protesting outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. For the past 20 days, these workers have been demanding a raise in their modest Rs 7,000 honorarium and the introduction of retirement benefits.

In a social media post on Saturday, Priyanka, who represents Wayanad in Parliament, highlighted that ASHA workers in Kerala are paid far less than their counterparts in Karnataka and Telangana. She accused the Kerala government of responding to their demands with indifference and efforts to suppress their voices, rather than addressing their call for dignity and fair treatment.

“The struggle of ASHA workers is about respect and recognition,” Priyanka wrote. “It’s shocking that women who form the backbone of our society are forced to plead for their basic rights.” She assured them of the Indian National Congress’s full solidarity, adding, “My sisters, your efforts will not go in vain.”

Priyanka also promised that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power in Kerala in 2026, it would prioritize increasing their wages and ensuring they receive the respect they deserve. She praised ASHA workers as a vital pillar of India’s public health system, recalling their selfless service during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and their role in delivering maternal care and health services to underserved communities.

Reflecting on their history, she noted that ASHA workers became a cornerstone of India’s healthcare framework during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s first term as Prime Minister. “From risking their lives during the pandemic to supporting countless families, they’ve brought healthcare to the most marginalized,” she said.