The Election Commission of India has directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to cease the delivery of "Viksit Bharat" messages on WhatsApp following complaints of government initiatives being promoted during the election period. Despite MeitY's explanation of delays due to network limitations, the poll body insists on compliance, citing the need for a level-playing field. The messages, seeking feedback and suggestions for a developed India, were accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition leaders have criticized the move as a violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the general elections.

Yusuf Pathan, former Indian cricketer, arrived in Kolkata to kickstart his Lok Sabha campaign as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for Berhampore, West Bengal. Amidst initial opposition from TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who later pledged support, Pathan gears up to challenge Congress stronghold held by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. TMC workers extend a warm welcome, signaling party's backing for the star candidate. Pathan's candidacy, announced on March 10, adds to TMC's roster for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. With campaign planning underway, Pathan steps into the political arena, aiming for a breakthrough in the upcoming elections.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has challenged ED summons in the Delhi High Court amid allegations of political targeting. Kejriwal, summoned for the ninth time in an excise policy case, seeks to cooperate while questioning ED's impartiality. Tragedy struck as two perished and one was injured in a jeans factory collapse in northeast Delhi. Efforts are underway to locate the building owner. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, AAP and Congress, yet to sync their campaign, divide constituencies for the electoral battle. AAP targets South, West, East, and New Delhi, while Congress claims Chandni Chowk, Northwest, and Northeast Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses the INDIA bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, of opposing electoral bonds to revive black money in politics. Shah defends BJP's transparency in donations, citing reduced cash contributions. He challenges Gandhi to explain the alleged Rs 1,600 crore 'hafta vasooli'. Shah dismisses claims of BJP amassing funds, highlighting donations during election restrictions. Supreme Court's recent ruling against electoral bonds is noted, deeming the scheme unconstitutional. Shah criticizes Gandhi's reliance on prepared speeches and predicts INDIA bloc's inability to disclose donors. The clash underscores ongoing controversies surrounding political funding transparency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "fight against a shakti" remarks. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented Gandhi's statement verbatim, alleging insult to religious sentiments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized the remarks, accusing the INDIA bloc of deliberate Hinduism insults. Gandhi clarified his stance, citing 'shakti' of unrighteousness, corruption, and falsehood, not religious power. The dispute intensifies ahead of elections. Gandhi's original statement, made at a Mumbai rally, sparked controversy as parties clash over religious sensitivities and political narratives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his campaign efforts in the southern states, visiting all five multiple times in the past 10 days. With a focus on winning 370 seats for BJP and over 400 for NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Modi unveiled projects worth over Rs 6,000 crore. Despite BJP's limited presence in the region, senior leaders express confidence in the party's prospects, aiming to emerge as the single largest party in South India. Utilizing technology like machine learning for language translation, Modi aims to bridge communication gaps, signaling a strategic push for electoral dominance.

The Election Commission of India announced simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh on April 19. Nominations are open until March 27, with scrutiny on March 28 and withdrawal by March 30. The state has 8,86,848 electorates, including 4,49,050 female voters and 5,740 service voters. There are 2,226 polling booths, with some managed by women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Notably, 480 booths are in shadow areas, 588 are critical, and 443 are vulnerable. The highest voter count is at Pumao Primary School, while one booth in Malogam has just one female voter.

The Lokpal has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's alleged involvement in cash-for-query charges. The probe comes after the anti-corruption watchdog found "sufficient prima facie evidence" against Moitra, directing the CBI to investigate all aspects of the allegations within six months. Moitra is accused of providing access to her official MP ID to post questions on the Lok Sabha portal on her behalf in exchange for favors. The Lok Sabha ethics committee had recommended her expulsion for sharing her login credentials. Moitra denies the allegations.

Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani, rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, urging him to refrain from fighting in the name of religion. Irani, who defeated Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi, emphasized the importance of addressing issues rather than religious affiliations in politics. She highlighted the need for true leadership grounded in principles rather than fear of defeat. Irani also criticized Gandhi's alleged glorification of poverty and martyrdom, while recounting her own challenging journey in Amethi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are reportedly discussing a re-alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab. Talks have been confirmed by leaders of both parties, with a decision expected after SAD's core committee meeting on March 22. Initial hesitations from SAD regarding unresolved issues like MSP and Sikh prisoners have been noted. The potential alliance raises concerns from opposition leaders, highlighting possible implications on farmers' issues and religious matters. In 2019, Congress won eight out of 13 seats in Punjab, while BJP and SAD secured two each, followed by AAP with one.