LPST leader Valarmathi resumes hunger strike outside Kerala Secretariat
The protest by rank holders awaiting appointment orders has now exceeded 117 days as the leader vows to continue the agitation.
S. Valarmathi, secretary of the Action Council and convenor of the LPST rank holders’ protest committee, returned to her hunger strike outside the Kerala Secretariat on Sunday. According to The Statesman, she rejoined the protest after being forcibly hospitalised by police on Saturday due to deteriorating health.
Valarmathi stated that the strike will not be called off, even if a death occurs. She had publicly tonsured her head on October 26, 2026, to launch the indefinite hunger strike.
The Kerala Police have registered a criminal case following a recent march near the Secretariat gate. Valarmathi has been named as the principal accused, along with 50 other identifiable protesters.
The demonstration has lasted more than 117 days. The candidates, who cleared the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) exam, are seeking formal appointment orders.
The All Kerala LPST Rank Holders Association claims the government has failed to fulfil previous employment assurances. The protesters are demanding immediate appointment orders from the active PSC rank list.
The group is also seeking the implementation of a revised 1:25 student-teacher ratio to create vacancies and the extension of the current rank list's validity period.