Kerala Cleric Clarifies Women Remarks As CM Backs Gender Rights

A senior priest of the Mar Thoma Church in Kerala has drawn criticism after suggesting that pre-marriage HIV tests should be made mandatory before wedding ceremonies conducted by the church. The priest cited recent campus testing initiatives undertaken by the Karnataka government following an increase in cases. Additional remarks advising parents regarding their daughters before marriage sparked widespread debate on social media. While some viewed premarital screening as a preventive health measure if applied equally to both brides and grooms, questions were raised concerning the specific focus on women.

Politics has intensified in Chennai over the ongoing sanitation workers' protest regarding demands for salary hikes and job regularisation. While the opposition has criticised the administration for failing to address the workers' demands and fulfil promises of wage increases, a team comprising leaders including Vasi Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Nirmal Kumar, and Rajmohan is scheduled to hold talks with the protesting corporation workers at Chennai's Ripon Building. Authorities noted that while administrative processes are ready, financial challenges and multiple worker associations are being addressed to reach an early resolution.

Tensions have surfaced within the Telangana Congress following the removal of former Backward Classes Minister Konda Surekha from the state cabinet. Addressing the media, the former minister alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy forced and blackmailed her into handing over her resignation to save face, warning fellow cabinet ministers that they could face similar treatment in the future. The episode has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition, with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Etala Rajender criticising the Congress administration, citing internal cracks, leadership failures, and the declining representation of women ministers across Congress-governed state governments.

Political developments in Uttar Pradesh have gained momentum ahead of the 2027 assembly elections following key discussions held at a regional party headquarters. The deliberations, which lasted around an hour and a half, focused primarily on crucial issues concerning education, student concerns, and employment opportunities across the state. A newly emerging political outfit looking to establish a foothold in the state expressed gratitude for parliamentary support extended during recent agitations in the national capital. While no official statements were issued regarding the outcome of the meeting, political speculation has intensified over potential student movements and planned demonstrations across government schools in the state.