The BJP claims a "rift" within the Congress party as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hospitalized due to illness, skips brother Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka sent best wishes, citing health issues and expressing eagerness to join when better. BJP's Amit Malviya hints at a longstanding feud for party ownership. Rahul's yatra, spanning Manipur to Mumbai, currently traverses Bihar. Priyanka's absence raises speculation amid political dynamics. The BJP underscores her non-participation in both Yatras as indicative of a deeper divide within the Congress leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress, accusing it of being stuck in a cycle of nepotism and opposing him as its sole agenda. Addressing the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Rajasthan' event virtually, Modi highlighted the party's diminishing support and emphasized its failure to formulate positive policies. He inaugurated projects worth Rs 17,000 crore, stressing the government's focus on empowering youth, women, farmers, and the poor for India's development. Modi stated that 'Viksit Bharat' is a comprehensive campaign to improve lives, eradicate poverty, generate employment, and enhance modern facilities across the country.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has initiated a vote of confidence motion in the assembly amidst ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons. Kejriwal denounced the ED's investigation into a liquor policy as politically motivated, alleging BJP's attempt to destabilize his government. The motion follows the sixth summons issued to Kejriwal, with previous denials of wrongdoing. The AAP chief faces allegations of poaching and government destabilization. Kejriwal's appearance is mandated on February 19. Notably, key AAP leaders have faced jail time in money laundering cases. The motion discussion is scheduled for the next assembly session.

Enforcement Directorate has summoned Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra on February 19 over alleged Foreign Exchange Management Act violations. The 49-year-old politician is set to depose at the agency's Delhi office, with her statement recorded under FEMA provisions. Simultaneously probed by the CBI, Moitra faces accusations of targeting Adani Group and PM Modi in Lok Sabha, allegedly influenced by businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Expelled from Lok Sabha in December, Moitra denies wrongdoing, claiming she's targeted for questioning Adani Group deals. BJP's Nishikant Dubey accuses her of compromising national security for financial gains.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge welcomes the Supreme Court's ruling, terming the Electoral Bonds a 'Black Money Conversion Scheme' by the Modi government. The party, critical of the opaque system since its inception, reiterated its promise in the 2019 manifesto to abolish it. Kharge notes the significant BJP funding under this scheme and urges the government to respect the court's decision for a more transparent democracy. The CPI(M) lauds the judgment, emphasizing the scrapping of a scheme designed for anonymous corporate donations to the ruling party. NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, also supports the decision, advocating transparency in political contributions.

Sonia Gandhi's transition from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha prompts speculation about her Raebareli seat successor. The Congress faces a crucial decision on who will contest from the stronghold, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi as potential choices. Priyanka's electoral debut in Raebareli is likely, yet concerns linger following Rahul's Amethi loss. There's also speculation about Priyanka challenging PM Modi in Varanasi. The party grapples with the task of selecting candidates for both Raebareli and Amethi, aiming to rejuvenate its electoral performance in Uttar Pradesh.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah announced the party's decision to independently contest all seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, dealing a blow to the INDIA bloc. Abdullah, recently summoned by the ED in connection with an alleged cricket scam, stated, "NC will contest alone." This move follows concerns voiced by Abdullah regarding seat-sharing disagreements within the INDIA bloc. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh acknowledged ongoing talks but mentioned that National Conference and PDP would remain part of the alliance. The development compounds challenges for the INDIA bloc, already facing uncertainties with AAP and Trinamool Congress wavering in their commitment.

Actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Mimi Chakraborty has taken a significant step by submitting her resignation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing disagreements with local Trinamool leadership. The Jadavpur MP expressed frustration, stating her dream for the constituency faced hurdles. Chakraborty, elected in 2019, highlighted challenges arising from her film background. While Banerjee hasn't accepted the resignation, Chakraborty acknowledged assurances to address the issues. The move follows criticism faced by another actor MP, Nusrat Jahan, for her silence on Sandeshkhali's sexual harassment allegations. Both actors previously faced scrutiny for low parliamentary attendance.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of fueling unrest in violence-stricken Sandeshkhali village. Banerjee asserted that the RSS has a base in the area, highlighting past riots and hinting at undisclosed plans during Saraswati Puja. The village has been embroiled in a month-long political storm, triggered by an Enforcement Directorate raid on TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh's residence. The aftermath revealed allegations of land grabbing and sexual harassment, intensifying tensions. Banerjee, emphasizing her commitment to justice, detailed measures taken, including arrests and the deployment of a women's police team to address grievances.

Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the electoral bond scheme, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what the BJP had sold in exchange for the ₹5,200 crore it received through electoral bonds. He demanded transparency and urged the State Bank of India to disclose all information. Khera also expressed concern that the government may issue an ordinance to circumvent the apex court's ruling. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, labeling the scheme as a medium for corruption within the BJP.