For the past 19 years, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker Sindhu Raveendran has been a familiar face in the Kuruvilangad panchayat of Kottayam—visiting homes, checking on patients, pregnant women, children, and anyone in need of healthcare and other support. Now, she will visit the same homes again, this time as a Congress candidate for Ward 13 (Indiragiri) in the upcoming local body elections. CPM-led Kerala government’s indifferent stand towards the demands of ASHA workers has forced her to switch allegiance.

Sindhu, a native of Veliyannoor, comes from a family of staunch CPM supporters. After her marriage, she continued her active involvement in the party, participating in women’s wing activities and serving as a CDS member. Her husband, Saseendran, is the CPM branch secretary of Palliyambu. Yet, Sindhu’s recent decision to contest as an Indian National Congress (INC) candidate marks a turning point in her political journey.

“The decision was not easy,” Sindhu says. “After years of dedication and an eight-and-a-half-month-long protest in Thiruvananthapuram, we ASHA workers continued to face neglect from the government. That’s when I realised I needed to take a stand.”

The indefinite protest by ASHA workers in front of the Secretariat—demanding a hike in honorarium and service benefits—lasted 266 days before ending with only partial success. Sindhu recalls facing pressure from the party not to join.

“CPM members warned me that participating would go against the party. But I told them this was not a political protest—it was about our rights as ASHA workers,” she says. “I went to the Secretariat nine times. The spirit among the women there was inspiring. The hair-cut protest was especially emotional—watching my colleagues shave their heads in despair moved me deeply.”

Sindhu has worked as an ASHA worker for Ward 12 (Pakalomattom) and later for Ward 13 (Indiragiri). Her familiarity with almost every household made her a natural choice for Congress workers when they sought a candidate.

“When Congress members approached me, I discussed it with my husband. He told me to make my own decision,” she says. “I’ve always had good cooperation with Congress representatives here. They supported all my efforts, even when they knew I was a CPM member. And their development activities in the panchayat also impressed me.”

Sindhu formally joined the Congress a week ago. “I’ve already visited most houses in my ward as part of the campaign. People are extending great support. Many say I will win,” she says confidently.

Her husband, Saseendran, a painting worker, meanwhile, stands by her choice. “She asked for my opinion, and I told her it’s her decision. I won’t campaign for anyone—neither her nor the CPM candidate—to avoid conflict. But I respect her choice. Initially, I was worried about the expenses, but the Congress leaders assured they would take care of it,” he says.

He acknowledges that his position in the party might come under strain. “So far, there’s been no issue, but there could be in the future. Meetings are also scheduled. They might even ask me to contest against her—but how could I oppose my own wife?” he adds with a smile.

“She is truly committed to society and has worked sincerely all these years, regardless of politics. Even during COVID-19, she never stayed home in fear of infection. She’ll continue to serve people with the same dedication,” he says.

The local Congress leadership is also confident of her victory. “Sindhu knows every family here. She is one of the best ASHA workers in Kuruvilangad and was fearless during the protest, even when her own party opposed it,” says James K James, Congress leader and Kaduthuruthy block president.

Sindhu and Saseendran live with their two children, Anjali and Arjun, in Kuruvilangad.