Kozhikode: Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, has called for a public debate on whether nationwide strikes should be observed as hartals or complete shutdowns (bandhs) in the state.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday about Congress proceeding with its statewide rally on the day of the strike, Satheesan said: "My question is: Is it appropriate in this age to turn a nationwide strike into a hartal or a bandh? I am not saying whether it is right or wrong, but I am placing it for public discussion."

Public debate needed on hartal tradition

Satheesan emphasised that people in other states are largely unaware of nationwide strikes, while in Kerala, strikes often halt normal life.

"There should be a public discussion, as only in Kerala, a strike becomes a hartal that brings normal life to a standstill. Whether this legacy practice should continue must be discussed by the public," he said.

He pointed out that Congress, which has numerous affiliated trade unions, respects strike causes but believes several traditional practices should change. "Even when the CPM was ruling in West Bengal and Tripura, a strike was never observed as a hartal or bandh," he added.

Congress rally to highlight Labour Code issues

Satheesan said the statewide Congress rally would also aim to raise awareness about alleged anomalies in Labour Codes that prompted the nationwide strike.

"When a strike is conducted, people should also be made aware of its cause. I don't know how many people know the reason for the nationwide strike. Even CITU, which is blaming the Congress, has not conducted any campaign regarding the cause of the strike," he said.

Responding to CPM state secretary M V Govindan’s claim that there would be no poor in Kerala if the LDF retains power, Satheesan said the Left leader was "living in some other world" and trying to mislead the public.

Satheesan also alleged that the CPM in Kerala was following a path similar to the Sangh Parivar elsewhere. "That is why even strong Left sympathisers are openly saying there should not be a continuation of power for the LDF in Kerala. They are aggrieved seeing the CPM turning into a fascist party," he said.

Health reforms promised under Congress rule

The Congress leader outlined several proposed health sector reforms if the UDF comes to power, including emergency care during the "golden hour," faster ambulance services, expanded medical insurance, and strengthened Public Health Centres.

Hospitals would be digitally integrated, teleconsultation services enhanced, more 'She Hospitals' established, and Karunya pharmacies strengthened. To tackle outbreaks like Nipah and rat fever, a "One Health" system would be adopted.

He also announced programmes for the elderly, people with disabilities, and transgender persons, including doorstep medicine delivery and 'Ammawadi' centres for elderly women.

Satheesan said a Congress health commission of expert doctors had prepared a report on Kerala’s medical sector needs, which would be implemented under a UDF government.