The fifth phase of India's Lok Sabha elections 2024 is in progress, with voting taking place in 49 constituencies across six states and two union territories. High-profile seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Rae Bareli and Amethi, are up for grabs, with key candidates like Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani in the fray. Other notable contestants include Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Omar Abdullah. Voting began at 7am and will end at 6pm. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, especially in West Bengal and Odisha, to ensure smooth polling. Nearly 9 crore voters will decide the fate of 695 candidates.

The Delhi Police have secured five days of custody for Bibhav Kumar, former aide to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, over the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The police, represented by additional DCP Anjitha Chepyala, argued that Kumar was uncooperative and evasive. The remand paper, supported by medical evidence, detailed Maliwal's allegations of verbal and physical assault at the CM's residence. It also noted Kumar's recent phone formatting, which is suspected to contain vital evidence. The police expressed concerns that Kumar could tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses due to his influential role.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) released its manifesto for the Punjab Lok Sabha polls, focusing on key issues. SAD aims to facilitate the transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan to India through mutual land exchange and advocate for the inclusion of Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas into Punjab. They plan to simplify pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib by replacing passport requirements with a permit system. The manifesto also promises to address water disputes by cancelling decisions made without Punjab's consent and seeking royalties for its river water provided to non-riparian states. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal reiterated the party's determination to pursue these objectives.

The tension between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi Police escalated as AAP workers were detained while attempting to march to the BJP office without seeking permission. This move came amidst a heated exchange between AAP and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal over an alleged assault case. Security measures were heightened at the BJP office following AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's call for the march. Meanwhile, Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, arrested in connection with the assault, is set to recreate the crime scene at the Chief Minister's residence. With Kumar granted five-day police custody for interrogation, Kejriwal, currently on interim bail, defiantly challenged the Prime Minister and announced his intention to proceed with the march.

Delhi Police have obtained five-day custody of Bibhav Kumar, aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following accusations of assaulting AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The police termed the incident a "serious case" with potential fatal consequences. Kumar allegedly threatened and assaulted Maliwal, including dragging her and banging her head on a table. Authorities reported his non-cooperation and evasive responses during questioning. A video provided by a junior engineer at the Chief Minister’s residence was blank during the alleged incident. The crucial digital video record (DVR) from the scene is still missing, according to the police remand application.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview, stated that every cabinet note for Bills now includes a global standards report to align with international best practices. This initiative ensures that India's legislation is benchmarked against the best globally. Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's success in the ongoing general election, targeting 370 seats and aiming for the NDA to exceed 400 seats. He outlined a development strategy based on "scope, scale, speed, and skill." With three election phases remaining, the fifth phase is scheduled for tomorrow, and vote counting will take place on June 4.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared at a Jhansi rally that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India, vowing to reclaim it. Shah dismissed Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark about Pakistan's atom bombs, asserting the Modi government's fearlessness. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed Shah's sentiment, predicting PoK's integration within six months of Modi's third term. Shah's remarks follow protests in PoK and ongoing tensions in the region. He reaffirmed India's stance on PoK, citing peace post-Article 370 abrogation and protests in PoK as indicators of India's rightful claim.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expresses confidence in brother Rahul Gandhi's ability to serve as Prime Minister, citing his dedication to the people and deep understanding of the nation's pulse. In an exclusive interview with India Today, she highlights Rahul's courage in facing adversities and asserts his capability to lead. Priyanka emphasizes the decision will be made by the INDIA bloc after elections. Rejecting BJP criticism, she reaffirms Rahul's commitment to both Raebareli and Amethi constituencies. Priyanka Gandhi states, "Why can't he be a PM? He will become an excellent Prime Minister because he understands the pulse of the country."

AAP MP Swati Maliwal has accused Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar of assaulting her at the Chief Minister's residence on May 13. A medical report from AIIMS Delhi revealed bruises on her left leg and right cheek, along with injuries to her chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The medico-legal certificate (MLC) noted bruises and detailed Maliwal's account of being slapped, pushed into a sharp object, and kicked multiple times. Maliwal's complaint to the Delhi Police alleges severe physical assault by Kumar, including being beaten with sticks and hit in the stomach. The report, however, did not specify the nature of her injuries.

Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Deputy PM LK Advani, and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi have voted using Delhi's home voting facility. This service for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs) started Thursday and runs until May 24. By Friday, 1,409 voters had used the facility, with West Delhi recording the highest participation at 348 votes. In total, 2,956 home votes were cast over two days. Dr. Manmohan Singh and Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi voted from home on May 17 in the New Delhi constituency.