The race for the Aranmula assembly seat, where the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) are battling for high stakes, has further intensified as KK Harshina, a long-time victim of alleged medical malpractice, has joined the campaign against Health Minister Veena George.
Addressing a rally for UDF candidate Abin Varkey on Monday, Ms Harshina, who endured carrying a surgical instrument in her abdomen for five years after an operation at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, shared the hardships she faced.
“More than the physical pain, what hurt me the most was the attitude of the health minister. She turned a blind eye to my suffering. Despite promises, nothing was done to address my concerns,” she said.
Along with Ms. Harshina, ASHA workers also joined the campaign against Ms. George during the day and staged protests outside the Secretariat for better pay. The campaign was led by S. Mini and KS Bindu, leaders of the ASHA Workers’ Protest Committee.
Ms. Mini criticized the LDF for running extravagant election campaigns while ordinary ASHA workers remain neglected. Wages for February and March have not yet been paid and government incentives remain limited by legally contested terms, leaving many workers in financial straits.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 19:16 IST
