In a persistent State-wide agitation entering its 23rd day, Anganwadi workers in Visakhapatnam demonstrated near the GVMC building, expressing dissatisfaction with the 'apathetic attitude' of the State government.

Teachers, ayahs, and 'minis' from Bheemunipatnam, Pendurthi, and urban projects joined the protest.

Addressing the gathering, L. Devi, the district general secretary of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affirmed that the workers would remain on strike until their demands were fulfilled, undeterred by threats of termination.

CPI-M's GVMC Floor Leader, B. Ganga Rao, along with CITU general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar and other union leaders, criticized the government for neglecting the workers' demands.

The workers are demanding a minimum wage of ₹26,000, gratuity payments, and the removal of unnecessary apps from their phones.

They condemned the government's threat of termination, deeming it unfortunate. The union leaders expressed dismay at the YSRCP government's rigid stance toward Anganwadi workers, municipal workers, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan employees.

Highlighting the historical consequences of government-worker conflicts, the leaders warned of electoral repercussions for governments that disregard worker concerns.

They recalled former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's defeat, attributing it to his suppression of Anganwadi worker protests.

Attempts to conduct a rally from Gandhi Statue to the Collectorate were thwarted by police arrests. The union leaders criticized the government for inconveniencing striking workers through arrests and cases, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.

Meanwhile, in Anakapalli, CPI-M district secretary K. Lokanadham deplored the apathetic attitude towards the striking Anganwadi workers, who disrupted traffic at Nehru Chowk demanding swift resolutions to their issues.