'Central govt is equally responsible for the suffering of ASHA workers': Actor Joy Mathew

Thiruvanthapuram: Supporting ASHA workers' protest in Thiruvananthapuram, actor and director Joy Mathew lashed out at the government for failing to address their demands for a wage hike. Speaking at the protest site in front of the secretariat, Mathew stated that the hardships faced by ASHA workers reflect the struggles of ordinary citizens under the current system of governance.

He also took a jibe at the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the CPI(M)'s youth wing, for its silence on the issue. Mathew mocked DYFI, saying that while it raises protests over international matters like the Amazon forest fires, it lacks the "courage or awareness" to even acknowledge the ASHA workers' protest with a social media post.

"When there are protests, there are ways to address them, and the first step is discussion. Ignoring women who have been protesting for 45 days is not just the fault of the Left government, but of the entire system that governs the country," Mathew said.

He further criticised selective activism, pointing out that many people ignore local protests while showing concern for global issues. "There are people in our country who turn a blind eye to protests happening in front of them. But if the Amazon forests burn, they will stage protests outside the Brazilian embassy. That’s how even Brazil learns about the Amazon fires," Mathew remarked, reiterating his criticism of DYFI’s inaction.

ASHA workers have been on strike for over 45 days, demanding better wages and improved working conditions. Despite their continued protests, the government is yet to hold discussions to address their grievances.