The CBI has closed its investigation into alleged aircraft leasing irregularities by the National Aviation Corporation of India Ltd. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh calls for PM Modi's apology over corruption allegations against the previous government. Ramesh alleges the case's closure is due to a BJP-NCP alliance, claiming former minister Praful Patel's BJP affiliation influenced the decision. He urges Modi to apologize to ex-PM Manmohan Singh and the nation, citing Modi's past focus on corruption accusations.

Opposition leaders, led by Congress's Jairam Ramesh, are gearing up for the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. They're rallying under the banner of the Save Democracy Rally, focusing on inflation, unemployment, inequality, and recent arrests of opposition figures like Arvind Kejriwal. This marks their first major gathering since Kejriwal's arrest over alleged excise policy irregularities. Leaders from AAP, Congress, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, NCP, Trinamool Congress, JMM, and DMK will join forces to address concerns about democracy, economic hardships, and political targeting. Both party and traffic police preparations have intensified for the event.

During the Mint India Investment Summit & Awards 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized Prime Minister Modi's vision to rise above divisive politics of caste and religion. Rejecting their role in welfare programs, she stated, "There has not been one incident of caste or religious favoring." Sitharaman highlighted the Modi government's decade-long efforts to improve India's economy and global image, aiming to change perceptions and business practices. Addressing concerns about tax notices, she clarified the compliance timeline and digitization efforts, dismissing claims of harassment as routine procedures. These remarks come ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In its 8th list of Lok Sabha election candidates, the BJP has introduced former diplomat Taranjit Sandhu to contest from Amritsar, while veteran actor Sunny Deol has been dropped from Gurdaspur. Notably, Congress defectors Preneet Kaur and Ravneet Singh Bittu are prominent in the BJP's lineup, with Kaur set to contest from Patiala and Bittu from Ludhiana. Additionally, Hans Raj Hans, currently the MP for Delhi's North-West constituency, has been relocated to Punjab for the Faridkot seat. The BJP's strategy also includes former AAP leader Sushil Kumar Rinku, who will compete from Jalandhar.

Tejaswini Gowda, who switched from Congress to BJP in 2014, rejoins Congress, citing BJP's disregard for democratic values. Welcomed by party leaders, she vows active participation in upcoming polls. Former journalist expresses confidence in Congress winning 23 out of 28 Karnataka seats. Previously an MLA and BJP spokesperson, her MLC tenure was to end in June 2024. She served as a Congress MP from 2004 to 2009, defeating former PM H D Deve Gowda. Her return marks a significant shift in Karnataka's political landscape ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

Kalpana Soren, wife of imprisoned ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, visited Sunita Kejriwal, spouse of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in New Delhi. Both CMs are in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody. Kalpana extended solidarity to Sunita, emphasizing the challenges faced by their husbands. Atishi, a Delhi minister, hailed the meeting as a display of resilience against central agency pressures. Kejriwal alleges political vendetta by the ED, while Soren faces charges linked to a land scam. The arrests coincide with the election season, raising political tensions.

Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot faced a five-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate regarding the alleged liquor scam. Gahlot, a part of the ministerial team behind the policy, denied any involvement in Goa's election campaign, where funds from the scam purportedly flowed. He reiterated that he never stayed at his allotted bungalow, where AAP's Vijay Nair reportedly resided. The ED, probing money trails leading to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, intensifies its scrutiny on AAP leaders, summoning those from Punjab and Goa. Gahlot maintains his innocence amid escalating allegations.

According to sources close to the tax investigation, the Congress party had sufficient opportunity to address accusations of significant cash receipts. "From 2013 to April 2019, officials claim ₹626 crore in cash was received," sources revealed. The Income Tax department maintains that legal proceedings were initiated within appropriate timelines, despite Congress' allegations of "tax terrorism." "Evidence supports the charges," stated the sources, refuting claims of political bias. Recent notices totaling ₹1,800 crore prompt Congress' denial of wrongdoing, accuses BJP of harassment. High Court rejects petitions against reassessment proceedings.

Election Commission bans Yusuf Pathan, TMC candidate in West Bengal's Baharampur, from using 2011 World Cup winning moments and national flag in campaign, following Congress complaint. Pathan directed to remove posters violating Model Code of Conduct, with EC citing merit in complaint evaluation. He also instructed not to feature the national flag during campaigning. TMC workers swiftly initiate removal of offending posters per EC's orders.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin urges Dharmapuri residents to vote for the INDIA bloc for democracy and social justice. He criticizes Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for citing lack of funds to contest elections, questioning BJP's use of electoral bonds. Stalin slams Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S Ramadoss for allying with BJP, challenging the move against social justice. He reiterates the demand for a nationwide caste-based census, emphasizing the central government's authority to conduct it.