Political Row Over Remarks Drawing Divide Between Lord Ram And Lord Shiva

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, actor Amala Paul discussed navigating stereotypes, taking creative risks, and choosing unconventional cinema throughout her career. Reflecting on her bold role in Aadai, she looked back at her younger self and noted, "Bro, you had guts," sharing that she needed strong creative trust with her director before taking up vulnerable parts. Addressing the representation of female actors in superstar-driven film industries, Paul emphasised, "I believe that it's through her craft," stating that dedicated preparation and strong performances allow actresses to make their presence felt. She also highlighted how Malayalam cinema stands out due to rooted realism and fearless storytelling. Additionally, Paul opened up about taking a conscious break for motherhood, finding emotional balance, and returning to cinema as more women claim substantial space across Indian industries.

Speaking at the India Today South Conclave, former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa critiqued the Election Commission of India's recent rebuttal following questions raised over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and Form Six modifications. Ashok Lavasa remarked that the poll body's attempt at course correction was like 'applying a Band-Aid to a fracture' because providing minor concessions fails to make the entire SIR exercise fair. Alongside former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat, Lavasa questioned the procedural validity of issuing different versions of Form Six and the lack of recorded minutes in constitutional decision-making. He stressed that issuing press notes instead of holding open press conferences deprives the Commission of addressing public doubts directly, especially regarding large-scale voter deletions in West Bengal.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has confirmed it will skip the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, signaling political friction following the Congress party's post-poll alignment with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu. The development coincides with opposition demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls following a Congress Working Committee resolution. In Tamil Nadu, political disputes continue over attacks on Chief Minister Vijay alongside fisherfolk protests in Chennai's Pattinampakkam opposing a twelve hundred crore rupee secretariat project. Meanwhile, speaking at the India Today Conclave South in Kochi, Congress Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Kerala Jebi Mather addressed women's representation in politics, questioned the linking of women's reservation to delimitation, and discussed Centre-state relations alongside constitutional protections.