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.

Arjun Singh, BJP's candidate from Barrackpore for the Lok Sabha elections, sought blessings from veteran Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy. Singh, who recently rejoined BJP after a stint with TMC, visited Roy's residence post temple prayers, clarifying no political discussions occurred. Mukul Roy was once TMC's strategist and a significant figure in Bengal politics, joined BJP in 2017 but returned to TMC after winning the 2021 state elections. Despite their political differences, photos shared by Singh depicted Roy blessing him, wishing him victory in the upcoming polls, showcasing a moment of political reconciliation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pledges, "When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who are destroying democracy," after the party faces a ₹1,800 crore tax notice. The fresh tax notice adds to Congress' financial strain, with a previous ₹200 crore penalty and fund freeze. Gandhi accuses BJP-controlled departments of targeting Congress. Party plans legal battle and seeks ₹4,617.58 crore tax demand from BJP. Allegations of BJP's electoral bonds scam surface. Despite financial pressure, Congress vows resilience.

Analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) found that among 514 Lok Sabha MPs, 44% have declared criminal cases, with 29% facing serious charges. Nine MPs, including five from the BJP, face murder allegations. Additionally, 28 MPs, mostly from the BJP, have attempted murder charges, while 16 face accusations related to crimes against women, including three for rape. A total of 5% of MPs are billionaires. The report underscores concerns over criminalization and serious charges among India's lawmakers.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed that over 79,000 complaints regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were received via the cVigil app. Remarkably, more than 99% of these complaints were resolved, with 89% resolved within 100 minutes. Illegal hoardings and banners accounted for 73% of the total complaints, followed by instances of money, gifts, and liquor distribution (1,400 complaints) and property defacement (2,454 complaints). cVIGIL, hailed as a game-changer, facilitated efficient electoral oversight and clutter reduction.

Opposition's INDIA alliance, facing hurdles like Maharashtra seat-sharing discord, finds hope in Bihar. Congress and RJD set to finalize seat-sharing deal on Friday, a key component of the alliance. Left parties already secured five seats in Bihar out of 40. The coalition aims to strengthen its position for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Despite challenges elsewhere, Bihar agreement signals potential unity within the opposition camp.

Following the Delhi High Court's rejection of pleas against tax reassessment, the Congress party faces a Rs 1,700 crore tax notice from the Income Tax Department. The notice, covering assessment years 2017-18 and 2020-21, includes penalties and interest. Congress leader Vivek Tankha confirmed the development. The court's decision, coming a day after rejecting Congress's petitions, upholds tax authorities' right to reassess for four years. The ongoing dispute highlights the party's legal battles over reassessment proceedings, extending back to assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17.          

Following the death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari due to cardiac arrest, his son Umar Ansari alleges his father was slowly poisoned, vowing to pursue legal recourse. Ansari's body undergoes post-mortem amidst controversy. Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes authorities for alleged negligence. Samajwadi Party demands a thorough investigation, while Congress questions the circumstances. Ansari, with a history of convictions, including life imprisonment, leaves behind a contentious legacy. His son's claims add a new layer of intrigue, casting doubt on the circumstances surrounding his demise. The allegation of slow poisoning raises questions and intensifies political scrutiny.