Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's helicopter was checked by election officials in Palghar on Wednesday. In a video, Shinde was seen interacting with the officials as they examined his belongings. This comes after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray complained about his bags being checked twice by poll officials, claiming it targeted opposition leaders. Poll authorities clarified that checks were part of routine procedures to ensure fair elections. Other leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, also had their bags checked during the campaign, with Pawar stressing the importance of respecting the law for fair elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted infiltration as the top issue in Jharkhand’s election while addressing a rally in Deoghar's Sarath. He claimed the tribal population in Santhal has dropped by half due to infiltration, urging voters to protect Jharkhand’s tribal identity. Modi accused the JMM-Congress government of helping infiltrators become residents, which he says has affected jobs and resources. He promised the BJP would protect “roti, beti, and maati” (livelihood, family, and land). Modi also criticized Congress, alleging it insulted tribals and opposed reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra makes her electoral debut in Kerala's Wayanad bypoll, contesting to retain the seat once held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. Congress has campaigned intensely in Wayanad, expressing confidence in Priyanka’s chances. Meanwhile, by-elections are also underway in six seats in West Bengal, the first since the RG Kar case. The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Medical College has sparked outrage, overshadowing the Bengal elections. Both the TMC and BJP are contesting the six seats, with the RG Kar incident influencing the campaign.

PM Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have called on voters to participate actively in the Jharkhand elections. Modi urged people to vote for a stronger, prosperous state, while Kharge emphasized the importance of voting for a government that addresses the concerns of all citizens. As polling began in 43 constituencies, nearly 29.31% voter turnout was recorded by 11 AM, IST. Both leaders highlighted the significance of democracy and the impact of voting in shaping the future of the state.

Actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty’s wallet was stolen while he campaigned in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, for the upcoming Assembly elections. Mithun was at a rally to support BJP candidate Aparna Sengupta. Large crowds gathered, leading to a security breach as fans climbed onto the stage to take photos with him. Amidst the chaos, someone stole his wallet. Organisers made a public request, urging the person responsible to return it. Despite their appeals, the wallet remained missing, and Mithun left the event early. Videos from the rally show poor security management at the venue.

The BJP has requested the Election Commission to “reprimand, censure, and restrain” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making “false claims” during his Maharashtra election campaign. In a formal complaint, the BJP cited Gandhi’s statements alleging that Maharashtra’s opportunities were “taken” by other states. The BJP, led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, argued that these statements violate the Model Code of Conduct and could incite youth unrest in Maharashtra. The BJP claimed Gandhi’s accusations lacked proof and aimed to create division among states for electoral gain, asking the EC to file a police case against him and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress in Maharashtra, saying it uses states under its rule as "ATMs." Speaking in Akola ahead of the Maharashtra elections, he declared, "We won’t let Maharashtra become the ATM of the Congress." Modi challenged Congress’s commitment to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, asking, "Did they ever visit Ambedkar’s panchteerth?" He promoted unity, urging voters to follow the mantra "Ek hain toh safe hain" (we are safe if we are united). Modi highlighted BJP’s work, including building four crore houses, and requested support for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

The Congress party has suspended rebel leader Naresh Meena from Rajasthan after he decided to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Deoli-Uniara Assembly by-poll, defying the party's nomination of Kastor Chand Meena. Naresh Meena was keen on contesting the seat but the party chose Kastor Chand Meena instead, leading to Meena's announcement to stand independently with support from the Bharat Adivasi Party. This move has sparked concerns about split community votes. The suspension order was issued by Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the party's state in-charge, on Thursday.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet with President Joe Biden shortly at the Oval Office, following a phone call between the two leaders. Trump's campaign communications director, Steven Cheung, confirmed that Trump is looking forward to the meeting and appreciated Biden's call. The meeting marks the beginning of the presidential transition process. Biden has already nudged Trump's team to sign necessary federal agreements for an orderly transition. World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have congratulated Trump on his victory.

President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to discuss the transition of power, following Vice President Kamala Harris's pledge to support a peaceful transition. In her concession speech at Howard University, Harris congratulated Trump on his victory and assured him of her commitment to an orderly transfer of authority. Harris emphasized the importance of accepting the election results, stating, "We must accept the results of this election. We owe loyalty not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution." Biden's invitation marks a significant step towards a smooth transition of power.