The Election Commission in Karnataka is setting up 1,832 special polling booths to boost voter turnout among various groups like tribals, women, and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections. Working with the Department of Scheduled Tribes, they're creating 40 booths inspired by tribal culture in districts including Chamarajanagar and Mysuru. Special booths are also being established to encourage youth, women, and people with disabilities to vote across the state. These efforts aim to ensure inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.

A youth leader from Bihar's ruling JD-U party, Saurabh Kumar, was fatally shot while returning home from a wedding in Patna's Punpun area. Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle targeted him, shooting him twice in the head. His companion, Munmun Kumar, was also injured in the attack. Saurabh succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while Munmun remains in critical condition. The incident underscores rising concerns over security and law enforcement in the region. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack as political tensions escalate in Bihar.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court against Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest in a money laundering case linked to the liquor policy. ED claimed Kejriwal's arrest followed the destruction of 173 mobile phones during the alleged scam period. They accused him of evading interrogation despite nine summonses. AAP refuted the claims, accusing ED of being BJP's political wing. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, remains in Tihar jail. AAP maintains he'll continue governing from jail. The affidavit stirs controversy amidst allegations of political interference in legal proceedings.            

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav will vie for the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, confirmed the party. Filing his nomination on Thursday at 12 pm, Yadav's decision follows speculation after the SP initially fielded Tej Pratap Yadav. Voting for Kannauj occurs in the fourth phase on May 13, with results announced on June 4. This move adds Yadav to a list of family members contesting, including Dimple Yadav, Akshay Yadav, Aditya Yadav, and Dharmendra Yadav. Yadav's decision amplifies political dynamics in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Former Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren, seeks Supreme Court intervention citing delay by the state high court in deciding his petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges. Soren's counsel, Kapil Sibal, urges urgent hearing ahead of Lok Sabha elections, expressing concerns over prolonged legal proceedings. Despite filing a fresh plea, SC defers assigning a hearing date, directing Soren to approach the Chief Justice of India. Soren's arrest, minutes after resignation, sparked legal battles, with ED alleging his involvement in land-related irregularities. Bail plea hearing scheduled in Ranchi trial court on May 1.

Transport Minister of India, Nitin Gadkari fainted during an election rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra today, prompting immediate medical attention. The Union minister was delivering a speech when the incident occurred, suspected to be due to a heatstroke. Medical professionals at the scene quickly attended to him. The campaign event was temporarily halted. Gadkari has been admitted to a private hospital in Yavatmal for further treatment.

Senior Congress figure Sam Pitroda's mention of US inheritance tax inadvertently boosts BJP's accusations of Congress's wealth redistribution plans. Congress swiftly disassociates, stating Pitroda's views aren't party endorsed. Jairam Ramesh criticizes the focus shift from PM Modi's campaign. Pitroda clarifies his remarks as personal, lamenting their misinterpretation from the core debate over PM's allegations against Congress manifesto.

In a recent interview, Sam Pitroda, Indian Overseas Congress chief, suggested implementing a US-style inheritance tax in India. While Pitroda defended the concept, BJP criticized it as property confiscation. Congress distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks, clarifying they don't reflect party policy. Amidst the backlash, Pitroda clarified his comments weren't linked to the Congress manifesto. The debate intensified as BJP warned against "property snatchers," while Congress accused BJP of diverting attention from real issues. The proposal has ignited discussions on wealth distribution in the country, adding fuel to the ongoing political debates.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Telangana lawmaker K Kavitha, detained in the alleged liquor policy scam, face another 14 days in judicial custody. Both opposition leaders, held since March ahead of the Lok Sabha election, are housed in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Kejriwal awaits a Supreme Court plea outcome challenging his March 21 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. Meanwhile, Kavitha, arrested by the CBI on similar grounds, awaits bail verdict. The arrests have sparked political uproar with the opposition alleging targeting by federal agencies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.      

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accuses Congress of committing to enforce Sharia law nationwide, citing their election manifesto. Speaking at a rally in Amroha, Adityanath criticizes Congress and its allies, alleging betrayal and false promises. He refers to PM Modi's recent claim about property redistribution and links it to Congress' supposed manifesto. Adityanath's remarks stir controversy amid ongoing election campaigns, sparking discussions about personal laws and constitutional principles. Sharia law, a set of religious laws based on Islamic scriptures, Quran and hadith, is brought up in the context of Adityanath's allegations, escalating political tensions.