New Delhi, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Congress spokesperson Udit Raj recently addressed several pressing issues, including the demand for mandatory HIV testing before marriage in Kerala, achievements of ISRO, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Ukraine. He also commented on statements made by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the FCRA amendment bill, and the role of women in politics, while raising questions about the central government and the BJP.
Amid the controversy surrounding the call for mandatory HIV testing for couples before marriage, Udit Raj emphasized the need for increased awareness about HIV. He advocated for encouraging individuals to undergo testing rather than making it a compulsory requirement. “HIV is no longer a disease that should only instill fear. Preventive measures and treatment are available,” he stated. However, he disagreed with the notion of requiring a certificate from the church before marriage, arguing that while advice is important, mandatory testing is inappropriate.
Responding to Asaduddin Owaisi’s remarks about supporting Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy rather than a political party, Udit Raj linked it to regional political dynamics. He noted that political alliances often shift based on local circumstances and should be viewed in that context. However, he asserted that there should be no such situation at the national level.
Udit Raj congratulated ISRO scientists for their recent satellite launches and advancements in Earth mapping technology. He praised the achievements of the ISRO chairman and his team, highlighting their contributions to national pride. He criticized the central government for unnecessary interference in scientific work, advocating for scientists to explain their findings without political meddling.
On the topic of Jaishankar’s meeting with the Ukrainian president, Udit Raj remarked that India maintains diplomatic ties with many countries, and Ukraine should not be considered an adversary. He stressed that India’s foreign policy should prioritize national interests while fostering relationships with various nations.
Regarding the FCRA amendment bill, Udit Raj expressed concerns, stating that the bill is unnecessary as previous amendments have already tightened regulations. He accused the government of subjecting already scrutinized organizations to further oversight. He called for equal scrutiny of all organizations’ financial sources, including those linked to the RSS and foreign funding.
When asked about the removal of female minister Konda Surekha from the Telangana cabinet, Udit Raj explained that it was related to allegations of indiscipline. He noted that political positions are not permanent, and responsibilities evolve over time.
On the issue of women’s representation in politics, Udit Raj acknowledged the low participation rates of women in the workforce and the challenges they face in pursuing careers and political roles. He emphasized the need to encourage women but recognized that family responsibilities often hinder their advancement. He pointed out that conservative societal norms impose restrictions on girls from a young age, making it difficult for them to enter fields like politics.
Udit Raj concluded by asserting that while there is a need for progress, the social environment in India remains a significant barrier to women’s participation in various sectors.
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