A WhatsApp message from 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' requesting feedback, along with a letter from PM Narendra Modi, has stirred controversy. Opposition parties allege misuse of government resources for political propaganda. Kerala Congress criticized the move, highlighting WhatsApp's policy against political use. PM Modi recently sought suggestions for the "Viksit Bharat" agenda, a key BJP election plank. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra slammed the BJP for campaigning after the model code of conduct came into effect. Earlier, BJP launched 'Viksit Bharat Modi ki guarantee' vans to gather election manifesto suggestions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserts BJP lacks courage to alter Constitution, citing people's support. BJP retaliates, calling Gandhi a liability for opposition 'INDIA' bloc, citing internal conflicts. BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi predicts third consecutive BJP government, citing INDIA bloc's lack of leadership and coherent policies. Election Commission announces Lok Sabha elections spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4. Gandhi emphasizes decentralization of power, contrasting with BJP's centralized vision. Tensions rise as parties gear up for electoral battle.          

The Congress party has framed the 2024 Lok Sabha election as a critical battle between democracy and dictatorship, echoing the significance of constitutional values. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the election's seven-phase schedule, beginning April 19 and culminating in vote counting on June 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term. Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasized the election's gravity, underscoring a choice between upholding the Constitution or succumbing to autocracy. The party's stance positions the election as pivotal in determining India's future trajectory, balancing the interests of laborers, farmers, and the middle class against those of select capitalists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's preparedness for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, following the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission. He emphasized the party's focus on good governance and service delivery across various sectors as their campaign strategy. PM Modi described the elections as the "biggest festival of democracy" and affirmed the BJP-NDA alliance's readiness to engage with voters. This declaration underscores the party's commitment to showcasing its track record to the electorate.

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Lok Sabha elections will be held in 7 phases, starting from April 19 and concluding on June 1, with counting set for June 4. Over 96.8 crore eligible voters will cast their ballots at more than 12 lakh polling stations. This schedule ensures a comprehensive and inclusive democratic process. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of these elections as the current government's term ends on June 16. The phased approach aims to manage logistics efficiently and ensure maximum participation from citizens across the nation.

In a progressive move towards societal inclusion, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved amendments to the Reservation Rules. The changes include granting 10% reservation to four newly added tribes and enhancing reservation for Scheduled Tribes to 20%. Additionally, 15 new castes were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) list with an 8% reservation. The terminology for differently-abled individuals was updated to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. These amendments aim to provide marginalized communities with better opportunities in government jobs and education.

Opinion polls, particularly the News18 Mega Opinion Poll, suggest BJP-led NDA's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with projections of 411 seats. Yet, certain states pose challenges to PM Modi's "400 paar" target. In Tamil Nadu, BJP may secure only 5 seats against the DMK-Congress alliance's expected 30. Kerala's Congress-led UDF could win 14 seats, leaving just 4 for the incumbent LDF. Punjab sees Congress likely to claim 7 seats, with BJP projected to win 3. Telangana poses competition, with BJP predicted to win 8 seats against Congress's 6. Despite overall optimism, state dynamics hint at varied electoral outcomes, shaping the upcoming political landscape.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a rally in Thane, condemned electoral bonds as the "biggest extortion racket in the world." He alleged that funds from electoral bonds were used to divide political parties and overthrow opposition governments. The comments come amid demands from Congress for a Supreme Court-led probe into corporate donations via electoral bonds, with claims that the BJP received half of the funds through this channel. Electoral bond controversies continue to fuel political debates, raising questions about transparency and accountability in political funding.            

Top electoral bond purchasers reveal a concerning trend as many are linked to past scrutiny by enforcement agencies. Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, led by Santiago Martin, bought ₹1,368 crore worth, half before and half after ED searches in May 2023 related to a lottery scam. Similarly, Keventer Food Park Infra Ltd., MKJ Enterprises Ltd., and Madanlal Ltd. from Kolkata, with a common director, Siddharth Gupta, collectively donated ₹573 crore. Notably, Keventer and Madanlal made significant purchases in April-May 2019 amid shared scrutiny. The pattern raises questions about the source and timing of political contributions.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries to her forehead and nose after a fall at her Kalighat residence. SSKM Hospital director clarified that the mention of a "push from behind" meant a sensation rather than a deliberate act. Banerjee received treatment, including stitches, and was discharged with stable health. She's advised bed rest and routine checks. Police noted no complaints regarding the incident. Speculations about the cause of the fall persist. Banerjee's condition remains stable, with heightened security around her residence.