APCC president Sharmila criticises Anganwadi workers’ arrest

APCC president Y.S. Sharmila on Wednesday condemned “the brutal action of the TDP-led coalition party against Anganwadi workers in the State.”

In a post on X, she denounced the “midnight arrests,” wondering if it was wrong to hold a peaceful protest to achieve legitimate demands.

“Will they put shackles on those who ask for their rights?” she asked, arguing that arresting women in this manner was an inhuman act. She said the TDP made promises before the elections, but when questioned about them, the response was imprisonment.

Ms. Sharmila asserted that the demands of the Anganwadi workers were legitimate and said they should be paid a minimum salary of ₹26,000. “Guidelines must be issued for implementation of gratuity. As many as 1,810 mini centres should be upgraded to main centres, the authorities should sanction paid medical leave to them, pending vacancies should be filled and their other demands should also be addressed,” she said.

The Congress leader demanded that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu honour his assurances given to Anganwadi workers during their 42-day strike in December 2023, when he was in the Opposition, and said the Congress party would extend its full support to the Anganwadi workers’ movement for the protection of their rights.