In February 2022, the unexpected dharna by government employees in Vijayawada took the authorities and police by surprise. The massive gathering of government teachers and other NGOs on BRTS road against the YSRCP government was unforeseen. However, the Anganwadi Strike today in Andhra Pradesh surpasses the government employees’ agitation in February 2022. The Anganwadi workers and Ayalas, on strike for the last 19 days, have intensified their protest.
On Saturday, they staged demonstrations outside the houses of ministers. Dr. BR Ambedkar led a siege at the residence of Transport Minister Pinipe Vishwarup in Konaseema district for about 4 hours, eventually presenting their grievances to the minister. This marked a significant development in the ongoing agitation. It was unexpected that a minister would be unable to leave his house for such an extended period in the YSRCP government.
Simultaneously, the camp office and house of Minister Adimulapu Suresh in Markapuram, Ongole, Prakasam district were also besieged. Police attempted to seize banners from the protestors, leading to a scuffle. Anganwadi workers besieged the residences of Minister Sidiri Appalaraju in Palasala of Srikakulam District, Dharmana Prasada Rao in Srikakulam, and Ministers Kottu Satyanarayana and Karumuri Nageswara Rao in West Godavari District.
After YSRCP came to power, there were no major agitations in Andhra Pradesh initially. However, the Anganwadi strike has proven everyone wrong. The damage to YSRCP’s reputation in AP seems significant, and it may not be easily recoverable. Implementing corrective measures now might not be sufficient for the ruling party.
