Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged rapid development for Andhra Pradesh under the NDA's governance during a rally in Palnadu. Promising a 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Andhra Pradesh', Modi highlighted the NDA's commitment to regional aspirations and national progress. He announced plans for significant decisions in the country's third term post-elections. Modi criticized the Congress, accusing them of exploiting allies. Sharing the stage with TDP's Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena's Pawan Kalyan, Modi reiterated NDA's inclusive approach. The BJP, TDP, and Jana Sena have formed a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections.

The Election Commission disclosed fresh data on electoral bonds, revealing DMK's receipt of ₹509 crore from Santiago Martin's Future Gaming company. Tamil Nadu's ruling party, among others, disclosed donor identities, with Megha Engineering contributing ₹105 crore, India Cements ₹14 crore, and Sun TV ₹100 crore. Congress redeemed ₹1,334.35 crore, while BJP encashed ₹6,986.5 crore, with Odisha's BJD and YSR Congress also cashing significant amounts. Trinamool Congress topped recipient donations at ₹1397 crore, followed by K Chandrashekar Rao's BRS at ₹1322 crore. The Supreme Court's recent ruling deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional.

A WhatsApp message from 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' requesting feedback, along with a letter from PM Narendra Modi, has stirred controversy. Opposition parties allege misuse of government resources for political propaganda. Kerala Congress criticized the move, highlighting WhatsApp's policy against political use. PM Modi recently sought suggestions for the "Viksit Bharat" agenda, a key BJP election plank. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra slammed the BJP for campaigning after the model code of conduct came into effect. Earlier, BJP launched 'Viksit Bharat Modi ki guarantee' vans to gather election manifesto suggestions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserts BJP lacks courage to alter Constitution, citing people's support. BJP retaliates, calling Gandhi a liability for opposition 'INDIA' bloc, citing internal conflicts. BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi predicts third consecutive BJP government, citing INDIA bloc's lack of leadership and coherent policies. Election Commission announces Lok Sabha elections spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4. Gandhi emphasizes decentralization of power, contrasting with BJP's centralized vision. Tensions rise as parties gear up for electoral battle.          

The Congress party has framed the 2024 Lok Sabha election as a critical battle between democracy and dictatorship, echoing the significance of constitutional values. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the election's seven-phase schedule, beginning April 19 and culminating in vote counting on June 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term. Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasized the election's gravity, underscoring a choice between upholding the Constitution or succumbing to autocracy. The party's stance positions the election as pivotal in determining India's future trajectory, balancing the interests of laborers, farmers, and the middle class against those of select capitalists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's preparedness for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, following the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission. He emphasized the party's focus on good governance and service delivery across various sectors as their campaign strategy. PM Modi described the elections as the "biggest festival of democracy" and affirmed the BJP-NDA alliance's readiness to engage with voters. This declaration underscores the party's commitment to showcasing its track record to the electorate.

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Lok Sabha elections will be held in 7 phases, starting from April 19 and concluding on June 1, with counting set for June 4. Over 96.8 crore eligible voters will cast their ballots at more than 12 lakh polling stations. This schedule ensures a comprehensive and inclusive democratic process. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of these elections as the current government's term ends on June 16. The phased approach aims to manage logistics efficiently and ensure maximum participation from citizens across the nation.

In a progressive move towards societal inclusion, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved amendments to the Reservation Rules. The changes include granting 10% reservation to four newly added tribes and enhancing reservation for Scheduled Tribes to 20%. Additionally, 15 new castes were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) list with an 8% reservation. The terminology for differently-abled individuals was updated to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. These amendments aim to provide marginalized communities with better opportunities in government jobs and education.

Opinion polls, particularly the News18 Mega Opinion Poll, suggest BJP-led NDA's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with projections of 411 seats. Yet, certain states pose challenges to PM Modi's "400 paar" target. In Tamil Nadu, BJP may secure only 5 seats against the DMK-Congress alliance's expected 30. Kerala's Congress-led UDF could win 14 seats, leaving just 4 for the incumbent LDF. Punjab sees Congress likely to claim 7 seats, with BJP projected to win 3. Telangana poses competition, with BJP predicted to win 8 seats against Congress's 6. Despite overall optimism, state dynamics hint at varied electoral outcomes, shaping the upcoming political landscape.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a rally in Thane, condemned electoral bonds as the "biggest extortion racket in the world." He alleged that funds from electoral bonds were used to divide political parties and overthrow opposition governments. The comments come amid demands from Congress for a Supreme Court-led probe into corporate donations via electoral bonds, with claims that the BJP received half of the funds through this channel. Electoral bond controversies continue to fuel political debates, raising questions about transparency and accountability in political funding.