In a double setback for the Congress party, Akshay Bam, its Indore Lok Sabha candidate, withdraws from the race and joins the BJP ahead of the fourth phase of elections on May 13. The announcement was made by senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, highlighting Bam's defection to the ruling party. This marks the second loss for Congress within days, with a similar incident occurring in Surat last week. District Collector Ashish Singh confirms Bam's withdrawal, along with two other candidates, following proper procedure. Local Congress leaders express disappointment and criticize the decision to field Bam.

The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's disqualification from contesting elections for six years, alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The petitioner, Anand S Jondhale, claimed PM Modi made religious references during a Uttar Pradesh rally. The court termed the plea "thoroughly misconceived," stating it cannot direct the Election Commission's stance on complaints. It highlighted the Commission's autonomy in assessing complaints independently. PM Modi's remarks at the Pilbhit rally, referencing Hindu-Sikh deities and criticizing opposition parties, formed the basis of the plea.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged Congress and opposition parties to bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating it's beyond their authority. Responding to claims of restoration, Modi emphasized understanding the constitution and jurisdiction. He affirmed that even as J&K's Chief Minister, he couldn't reinstate it. Modi criticized misleading statements, urging transparency. Highlighting benefits post-abrogation, he noted increased opportunities, including reservations for Dalits and Valmikis. The Supreme Court upheld the abrogation in December 2023, paving the way for elections and statehood restoration. PM Modi reiterated the impending return of assembly polls and statehood.

Woman alleges Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda, repeatedly summoned her to his room. She also implicates HD Revanna, Prajwal's father. "After four months of joining, Revanna kept calling me to his room," she stated. Allegations include inappropriate behavior toward female workers and sexual assault claims. Prajwal, currently an MP and NDA candidate, denies allegations. The Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Videos purportedly showing Prajwal engaged in sexual acts surfaced online. Amid accusations, Prajwal reportedly flew to Germany. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Monday accused the BJP-led central government of helping Prajwal flee the country.

Arvind Kejriwal's counsel informed the Supreme Court that his arrest lacked legal basis, citing absence from official documents and no prior questioning. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasized the need to establish guilt, not mere suspicion, as per the anti-money laundering law. Kejriwal, currently in Tihar jail, challenges his arrest, arguing its political agenda. Refuting allegations of non-cooperation, his affidavit accuses the Central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gains. Despite summonses, Kejriwal's counsel maintains his absence was not grounds for arrest, as the Delhi Chief Minister contends his arrest is an abuse of power.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita, and Minister Atishi met him in Tihar Jail. Atishi revealed Kejriwal's concerns centered on Delhi's well-being, particularly education, healthcare, and water supply. He pledged ₹1000 for Delhi women and emphasized adequate water provision for the impending summer. Initially denied visitation, Sunita was permitted after legal intervention. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's upcoming meeting highlights support for Kejriwal. This meeting showcases Kejriwal's unwavering dedication to Delhi's welfare despite his confinement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead a mega rally, 'Maha Vijay Sankalp Sabha,' today in Pune, Maharashtra, in support of Mahayuti candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Scheduled at the Racecourse Ground from 4 pm to 9 pm, the event anticipates a crowd of around two lakh attendees. The rally aims to bolster the campaigns of BJP's Murlidhar Mohol, NCP's Sunetra Pawar and Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, and Shiv Sena's Shrirang Barne. Amidst preparations, Pune Police issued traffic diversions and parking instructions for smooth facilitation. PM Modi will stay at Raj Bhavan post-event.

An FIR has been lodged after the BJP accused several Congress social media handles of sharing a doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah advocating for the end of SC/ST reservation. BJP asserts the original video discussed removing "unconstitutional" reservation for Muslims in Telangana, not SC/ST reservation. Delhi Police requested information from Twitter and Facebook about the account posting the edited video. BJP warns of legal action against those spreading the fake video. The controversy escalates amidst election tensions, with BJP aiming to file FIRs nationwide.            

Former Finance Minister Chidambaram asserts India's inevitability as the world's third largest economy, regardless of the Prime Minister. Dismissing it as not magic but simple math, he points to India's vast population. While he doesn't provide a timeline, Chidambaram stresses India's economic trajectory due to its sheer size. He also underscores the importance of per capita income over GDP, noting India's low global ranking. This stance challenges political rhetoric and emphasizes economic fundamentals in India's growth story.            

Shiv Sena Member of Parliament, Sanjay Raut, issued a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement suggesting the possibility of "5 PMs in five years" if the INDIA bloc wins the Lok Sabha election. Raut emphasized the bloc's right to choose its Prime Minister, highlighting the commitment to prevent any drift towards dictatorship. He went further to express readiness to have multiple Prime Ministers in a single year if necessary. Raut also expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc's victory, contrasting with PM Modi's claims of NDA's lead. In Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, consisting of Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, is gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls, with Shiv Sena contesting 21 seats, Congress 17, and NCP 10.