HIV victims' fight against prejudice continues

The Tamil Nadu cabinet has approved conducting a caste and social status survey across the state by February or March 2027, following the completion of the central government's population census. A commission headed by a retired High Court judge will be formed to carry out the enumeration process. Additionally, the state government decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its ruling that upheld the quashing of the 2024 government order granting Backward Class reservation benefits to converts from Hinduism to Islam. The cabinet also approved industrial projects for eight companies to begin operations in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Punjab has approached the Governor demanding the early imposition of the Model Code of Conduct and early assembly elections, citing a breakdown in the state's law and order. The party highlighted recent murders, shootouts, and multiple drug hauls across the state. The demand also follows the denial of police permission for an annual anti-drug marathon in Abohar on grounds of law and order. The event, organized systematically over the past eight years with thousands of registered participants, was scheduled to feature multiple race categories to raise awareness against narcotics.

A political disagreement has surfaced within the Congress party regarding the Special Intensive Revision voter list exercise in Karnataka. A state cabinet minister endorsed the drive, stating that deceased, relocated, and duplicate voter entries were legitimately removed and suggested that similar procedures be implemented in other states. Conversely, the central leadership of the party challenged the Election Commission of India, alleging manipulation of voter rolls and claiming that legitimate voters were disenfranchised in Karnataka. Party colleagues expressed differing views, with other state ministers supporting the central high command's stance and maintaining that the deletion process remained flawed. The leadership called for halting the voter revision drive and sought the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, claiming evidence of electoral malpractice involving improper voter additions and deletions in constituencies. The ruling party in the state faces political criticism over contradictory internal views on the electoral verification process and voter list revisions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged citizens and student groups across the country to join the upcoming Chalo Delhi protest march on November 1 at Ramlila Maidan. In a video address, Gandhi stated that the demonstration aims to stop vote chori, protect democracy, and defend the Constitution, asking people not to fear police action or lathis. Ahead of a planned mock impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner, INDIA bloc leaders gathered at Mallikarjun Kharge's residence for a strategy meeting. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched counter-campaigns and street protests across the national capital in response to the opposition's call. In addition, the Chamber of Trade and Industry appealed to Gandhi to postpone the planned demonstration, citing possible disruptions to commercial activity during the festive season. Congress leaders view the campaign and outreach to students as a key opportunity to consolidate youth support ahead of future electoral battles.