Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned poet K Satchidanandan has extended his support to the ongoing protest by ASHA workers in front of the secretariat, demanding a wage increase. He acknowledged the growing momentum of the protest, noting that many people in Kerala, whether openly or not, sympathise with the workers' cause.

''Even people who do not express their sympathy openly have sympathy for them (ASHA workers) inside. Many people do not tell the truth for various reasons. When a protest is going on, no matter who is leading it, if there is even a little bit of justice in their demands, the government should call the protesting people for discussion and work out a compromise as soon as possible”, he said. Satchidanandan further added that, “Instead of abusing these workers, scolding them, or mocking them by pointing out that they are a minority, the government—especially a Left-leaning one—should respectfully invite the protesters for a genuine discussion”, he said.

Earlier, an audio message from Satchidanandan backing the ASHA workers had gone viral. He later clarified that the message was shared during a discussion in a WhatsApp group comprising activists.