KPSC Rank-Holders Gain Star Support Following Backlash Over Selective Activism
Malayalam film and television personalities have joined the Kerala Public Service Commission teacher rank-holders' protest in Thiruvananthapuram. The move follows accusations that celebrities only support causes involving central government bodies.
Celebrities Join Secretariat Protest
Malayalam film and television industry figures have shifted their focus to local grievances, expressing solidarity with Lower Primary School Teacher (LPSA) rank-holders. These teaching aspirants have staged an indefinite demonstration outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram for three weeks. The protesters, who began their movement on July 8, 2026, demand that the state immediately report vacancies and proceed with appointments from the May 31, 2025, rank list published by the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC).
The Debate Over Selective Solidarity
The sudden influx of celebrity support follows intense public scrutiny. Figures such as Tovino Thomas, Naslen, Chandu Salim Kumar, Vijeesh Vijayan, and anchor Ranjini Haridas have recently utilized social media to highlight the KPSC aspirants' plight. This shift appears to address allegations that notable personalities were being selective in their activism, specifically focusing on national issues while ignoring state-level crises.
Actor Chandu Salim Kumar addressed this perception directly, stating that selective solidarity mirrors the injustices they aim to fight. He argued that the Kerala PSC failures and the NEET controversies both demand serious attention, urging the public not to let political affiliations fragment their advocacy for India’s youth. Actor Vijeesh Vijayan reinforced this sentiment, asserting that the demand for transparency and justice applies equally to central and state-level examination systems.
Political Backlash and Personal Scrutiny
The pressure on these public figures intensified after many supported the CJP-led student protests at Jantar Mantar, which eventually led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In response to that support, right-wing organizations criticized the actors for their silence on local issues. Notable incidents of pushback include:
- Tovino Thomas: Faced protesters from Yuva Morcha at his Irinjalakuda residence on July 22, 2026. Activists mocked his silence on Kerala’s nursing strikes and the PSC aspirants' symbolic protests.
- Ranjini Haridas: The television host clarified that her initial lack of response was due to a scarcity of clear information online, expressing a desire to study the rank-holders' specific grievances.
- Vismaya Mohanlal: Faced sustained online criticism after she condemned police actions against students in Delhi but initially omitted mention of Kerala-based movements.
By sharing protest footage and public statements, these celebrities are attempting to reconcile their national advocacy with local accountability, as the KPSC rank-holders continue their fight for employment under the scrutiny of the July heat.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
