Kolkata, Aug. 4 -- The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday strongly criticised BJP MLA Chandana Bauri after a viral video showed her allegedly reprimanding ASHA workers over their work under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Sharing the video, the TMC wrote: "Arrogance is the starting point of downfall," and said that people engaged in public service deserve respect and dignity. The party said elected representatives should speak with "basic decency" and treat frontline health workers with respect.
In the viral clip, Bauri is allegedly seen questioning the workers' performance and asking whether they had obtained their jobs through "scams in the previous regime." The TMC condemned the remarks and accused the BJP of disrespecting ASHA workers.
Separately, the death of ASHA worker Rumpa Mondal (38), a resident of Gangajalghati, triggered protests in Bankura district. Mondal reportedly fell ill at home on Monday while leaving for work and was taken to Amar Kanan Rural Hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
Following the incident, a large number of ASHA workers gathered at the hospital and staged a protest, alleging excessive workload and poor working conditions. The protest also coincided with the controversy surrounding Bauri's viral video, with several protesters demanding that the MLA apologise for her alleged conduct.
Bankura District Magistrate and the MLA Chandana Bauri later visited the hospital. The protest was withdrawn after a meeting between the demonstrators, district administration and health department officials.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and SUCI have demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the worker's death.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.