New Delhi, September 4: Congress spokesperson Udit Raj addressed several pressing issues, including the demand for mandatory HIV testing before marriage in Kerala, ISRO’s achievements, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Ukraine, statements from AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the FCRA amendment bill, and the participation of women in politics. He raised questions regarding the central government and the BJP during his remarks.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding the demand for mandatory HIV testing for couples before marriage, raised by Rev. Dr. K. Thomas of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Udit Raj emphasized the need for awareness about HIV. He stated that people should be encouraged to get tested voluntarily.
Udit Raj remarked that HIV is no longer a disease that should instill fear; rather, preventive measures and treatment options are available. However, he argued that while advising individuals is one thing, making it mandatory through a religious institution is inappropriate.
He noted that doctors also recommend testing and caution, and there is a need to spread awareness about the disease in society, but it is not right for a religious organization to impose such requirements.
Responding to Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement about supporting Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy rather than a political party, Udit Raj viewed it in the context of regional politics. He explained that political equations at the regional level are constantly evolving, and different political agreements may arise based on local circumstances. He added that if Revanth Reddy has made a political agreement to counter forces like the BJP and RSS, it should be understood in that context, although he stressed that such a situation should not exist at the national level.
Udit Raj congratulated ISRO for launching new satellites and praised the technology used for mapping Earth from space. He commended the ISRO chairman and his entire team, stating that their achievements bring pride to the nation and are certainly commendable. He also criticized the central government, asserting that scientists should be allowed to explain their work and its technical aspects without unnecessary political interference.
On External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with the President of Ukraine, Udit Raj noted that India maintains diplomatic relations with many countries and that Ukraine should not be considered an adversary. He emphasized that India’s foreign policy should prioritize national interests while maintaining relationships with various nations. He pointed out that while some countries stood by India in challenging times, international equations have changed over time.
Udit Raj remarked that India’s non-alignment policy began during Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s era and that there is still a need for independent decision-making in foreign policy.
Regarding the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for the FCRA amendment bill, Udit Raj expressed that he does not find the bill appropriate. He stated that the FCRA has undergone several amendments in the past and does not require further tightening.
He accused the government of repeatedly subjecting organizations already under strict scrutiny to further investigation and monitoring. He mentioned the RSS and foreign funding, asserting that all organizations’ financial sources should be equally scrutinized.
When asked about the removal of woman minister Konda Surekha from Telangana’s cabinet, Udit Raj explained that this action was taken in the context of allegations of indiscipline. He noted that positions in politics are not permanent and responsibilities change over time.
In response to a question about Rahul Gandhi’s advocacy for women’s advancement in politics while the number of women ministers in the Telangana cabinet is low, Udit Raj suggested that both issues should be viewed in different contexts. He acknowledged that the labor force participation rate of women in the country remains low and that change will take time.
Udit Raj stated that women should be encouraged to progress, but he also recognized that family responsibilities often hinder many women from advancing in professions and politics. He pointed out that India’s social environment remains conservative in many areas, imposing various restrictions on girls from childhood—such as whom to talk to, whether they can go out alone, and how to navigate societal traditions. These factors make it challenging for women to enter fields like politics later on.
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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.