Asha Karmi Protest Panic: Challenge for TMC

Jan 22, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Current AffairsPolitics

Asha Karmi Protest March on January 21, 2026

ASHA karmi protest march took place at Kolkata, the heart of West Bengal Politics. They marched towards the Health Department headquarters. This is the same RG Kar–famous Health Bhavan.

Notably, the protest took place again on 21-01-2026. Earlier, I wrote about the possible cracks in her Muslim vote bank, which is one of her strongest support bases. Now, let us talk about her second major vote bank, women voters.

Is TMC losing Women Vote Bank?

ASHA workers are women. That is precisely why this protest has become a serious headache for the Trinamool Congress. In other words, just like Haradhan losing his ten sons, Mamata Banerjee is also losing her most reliable assets, Women voters. If Muslims once served as her main electoral base, women voters also come very close to storm her into the power.

They formed two assured vote banks for her party. However, the current situation shows that even these guaranteed support bases are slipping away.

Reasons of Asha Karmi Protest

Now, let us look at the reasons behind the ASHA karmi protest. First, it is important to remember that their current monthly pay is around ₹5,250. Moreover, a large amount of their dues remains unpaid. Perhaps Mamata Banerjee has focused more on election expenses.

It is also important to note that ASHA workers cannot freely use their personal mobile phones. Authorities allow them to use only government-issued mobile phones. They do not permit the use of any other device. Whether this involves surveillance or monitoring remains unclear.

Now, let us take a closer look at their key demands:

1. Recognition as government employees
2. Insurance coverage and compensation
3. Leave benefits
4. Clearance of pending dues
5. Health insurance

Therefore, the protest is not sudden or baseless. Instead, it reflects long-standing neglect, low wages, and denial of basic rights. As a result, the agitation by ASHA karmi has turned into a major political and administrative challenge.

Is Asha Karmi Protest a sudden outburst?

It is important to note that ASHA workers have been observing a “work stoppage” since 23 December. Yesterday, they were coming from different locations to follow a pre-announced protest programme and to submit a deputation. Their destination was Health Bhavan.

However, on the night of 20 January, railway authorities denied them permission to board the Gour Express at Malda station. The RPF (Railway Protection Force) handled the operation. Soon after, videos and reports went viral on social media.

They showed how Administration stopped ASHA karmi  at multiple locations, including Bankura, Sealdah, Howrah, and several areas of Salt Lake.

Pre-Announced march by Asha Karmi

Importantly, this protest by ASHA workers is a constitutionally guaranteed democratic right. Moreover, they fixed the protest date  well in advance. Yet, just as the government tries to block opposition protest programmes, it also tried to prevent ASHA workers from reaching their destination. As a result, the situation began to resemble a battlefield.

Clearly, the police acted under instructions from higher authorities.

In other words, the West Bengal government led by the Trinamool Congress lacked the courage to face the ASHA workers directly.

 

Notably, ASHA workers are not a political opposition party. Instead, they form Mamata Banerjee’s most cherished women vote bank.

However, a government that follows a “no voice of dissent” approach has treated them in this manner.

Now, it is up to the people to judge how justified and acceptable this behaviour truly is.

The 2026 Assembly elections are not far away. Just yesterday, angry and disappointed ASHA workers even spoke about changing the government.

However, that alone is not the main issue.

Call for a Change in 2026 election?

After all, Suvendu Adhikari regularly says, almost every morning and evening, that this government will be removed. But everyone knows that saying something and actually doing it are not the same.

What truly stands out is the deep frustration among these women. This anger is certainly not a good sign for Mamata Banerjee or the Trinamool Congress.

Although Chandrima Bhattacharya, during an afternoon press conference, advised them to remain calm, the workers remain unconvinced.

As a result, they have announced a statewide “Dhikkar Dibas” (Day of Protest) today, 22-01-2026.

Therefore, the growing resentment among women ASHA workers, once a core support base, is now emerging as a serious political warning ahead of the 2026 elections.

No Anti-BJP blame Game in Asha Karmi Protest

In this case, Mamata Banerjee cannot blame the BJP bogey. She also cannot claim that this is a Central government conspiracy. The reason is clear. The protesting workers belong to the Paschim Banga ASHA Karmi Union, an affiliate of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC). They are also members of the West Bengal ASHA Health Workers Union (CITU).

In other words, both unions operate within the Left political spectrum. Their parent political parties are the CPI and the CPM. However, these parties have been steadily declining over the years. Today, they are almost politically irrelevant in West Bengal.

Therefore, critics cannot dismiss the ASHA workers’ agitation as a BJP-backed movement.. Instead, it highlights genuine grassroots anger, coming even from sections once outside the BJP’s political influence.

Why so much discontent before 2026 election?

This widespread discontent in different directions could have a powerful impact. If its combined effect reflects in the 2026 elections, then political change may return to Bengal once again. However, it is difficult to predict what more Bengal’s current political situation will witness in the coming days.

One thing is certain. No sensible citizen of West Bengal wants to see continuous protests, blockades, police excesses, bloodshed, or violence.

Ultimately, people desire peace, dignity, and democratic dialogue, not fear and confrontation. Whether the political leadership understands this message remains to be seen.