17 August,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kunickaa Sadanand (Picture via X)
Actress Kunickaa Sadanand on Sunday joined the ongoing protest by JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and extended her support to students demanding action over their concerns regarding recruitment examinations. The actress visited the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where she interacted with several protesting aspirants, including a student who is currently on a hunger strike.
Speaking to ANI, Kunickaa appealed to the Jharkhand government to listen to the protesting students and address their concerns with transparency and accountability. She said the aspirants were simply seeking an opportunity and described their demand as their right.
"My message is to the government: Please be transparent, accountable, and listen to these children. They are asking for an opportunity, which is their right," Kunickaa said.
At the same time, the actress urged the protesting students to remain patient and give the authorities some time to work towards finding a solution. She pointed out that the issues raised by the aspirants have been continuing for years and cannot necessarily be resolved overnight.
Kunickaa advised the students to seek a concrete assurance from the government rather than relying only on verbal commitments. She suggested that they take a firm promise in writing so that there is accountability regarding any resolution offered to them.
The protest centres around alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The protesting aspirants have been demanding action over the alleged discrepancies and have also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
The agitation has also intensified, with protesters announcing plans to gherao Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Ranchi on August 20. They have additionally demanded his resignation amid their ongoing concerns.
Kunickaa's participation comes as the protest continues to attract attention beyond the student community. Her interaction with the aspirants highlighted the need for dialogue between the students and the government while also acknowledging the frustration among candidates who have been waiting for clarity and opportunities.
The actress' message struck a balance between supporting the students' demands and urging them to allow authorities time to respond. By calling for transparency, accountability and a written commitment, Kunickaa emphasised the importance of a concrete resolution to the long-standing concerns raised by the JPSC and JSSC aspirants.
Her visit has added a public voice to the students' ongoing campaign as they continue pressing the Jharkhand government for answers and action.
