JD(S) MLA and former Karnataka Minister H D Revanna has approached a Bengaluru court for anticipatory bail following a notice from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in a sexual harassment case. The case involves Revanna's son, sitting MP Prajwal Revanna. Revanna, son of former PM HD Deve Gowda, denies the allegations and pledges cooperation with authorities. The court has scheduled a hearing for May 3, as the SIT forms three teams to investigate. Prajwal seeks re-election from Hassan, representing the JD(S), which is allied with the BJP in Karnataka.      

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dropped sitting MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment, from the Kaiserganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh. His son, Karan Bhushan Singh, has been fielded as the party's candidate instead. Brij Bhushan Singh, a former Wrestling Federation of India chief, had faced protests from female wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, leading to legal action. The decision to replace him with his son comes amidst ongoing suspense and controversy surrounding his candidature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the former UPA government, accusing it of aiding terrorists and forming a secret alliance with Pakistan. Speaking at a rally in Gujarat, Modi claimed that while Congress weakens, Pakistan prays for its resurgence. He emphasized his government's tough stance on terrorism, contrasting it with the alleged leniency of the previous administration. Modi branded Congress as a "factory of fake goods," challenging its portrayal as a "shop of love." His remarks aimed to expose what he perceives as a hidden partnership between Congress and Pakistan, shaping the discourse ahead of the elections.

Responding to the intense heatwave in Telangana, the Election Commission of India has extended polling hours for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 13. Voters can now cast their ballots from 7 am to 6 pm, an hour longer than before, across all 17 parliamentary constituencies in the state. This move aims to encourage more people to participate despite the scorching temperatures. The decision follows requests from the Chief Electoral Officer and input from various political parties and candidates. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will undergo polling during the fourth round of the seven-phase elections.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accuses party of prior knowledge on Bengal school job scam before 2021 polls. Ousted as state general secretary post praise for BJP's Tapas Roy. Ghosh asserts TMC aware of corruption in education department, prompting ministerial shuffle. Claims TMC leader Partha Chatterjee relocated from education to industry portfolio due to corruption alarm. Ghosh's revelations emerge amidst internal discord within TMC.

With the impending polls in Amethi and Rae Bareli, traditional strongholds of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Congress faces pressure to nominate candidates. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi's reluctance to contest adds to the party's dilemma. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to finalize candidates within 24 hours. Congress leaders fear a political setback if the siblings abstain, emphasizing the symbolic importance of their candidacy. Failure to field them could undermine party morale and potentially benefit the opposition. Political observers warn of historical consequences if BJP secures victory in both constituencies.

BJP's Amit Malviya criticized Congress as former Pakistani minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain shared a video of Rahul Gandhi, praising him. Hussain, who served under Imran Khan's government, lauded Gandhi's remarks critical of BJP. Malviya questioned Congress's association with Pakistan, asking if they intend to contest elections there. The exchange highlights political tensions as BJP accuses Congress of aligning with Pakistan.              

Jharkhand Congress's X account was suspended by Twitter after sharing a doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Delhi Police filed a case over the manipulated video, which altered Shah's statements on reservations. Jharkhand Congress chief Rajesh Thakur and Gajendra Kumar Singh, state coordinator of the party's social media department, were summoned by the Delhi Police for questioning. Thakur questioned the summons, calling it "anarchy," while Singh stated the party was consulting legal advisors. The incident highlights tensions amid the ongoing election campaign.

The Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable group from Great Nicobar Islands, cast their votes for the first time in Lok Sabha polls on April 19. Election Commission's efforts led to their inclusion, with new polling booths in previously inaccessible areas. Around 900,000 eligible voters from 14 PVTG communities participated in the last 11 state legislative elections. Special efforts ensured 100% enrolment of PVTGs. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 91% voting occurred in Onge tribe areas and 100% in Great Andamanese tribe areas. Twelve candidates, including two women, contest for the lone Lok Sabha seat.

Facing sexual assault allegations, JDS MP Prajwal Revanna asks for seven days before probe team, citing he's away from Bengaluru. His lawyer states he's currently in Germany. The scandal arose from numerous explicit videos purportedly involving him. The SIT, formed by the Siddharamaiah government, investigates the case. Prajwal's lawyer requests time for his client's appearance. The JDS suspends Prajwal temporarily as the inquiry unfolds, emphasizing potential expulsion if found guilty. The scandal casts a shadow on the Revanna family's political reputation. Prajwal's first response to the controversy is optimism, stating, "Truth will prevail soon."