The Election Commission has announced that voting for 89 seats across 13 states will occur on April 26, marking Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha polls. With 97 crore eligible voters, 1.5 crore polling officials, and 10.5 lakh polling stations, India gears up for the world's largest democratic exercise. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the enormity of the event, highlighting the deployment of over 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The democratic celebration will culminate in vote counting on June 4, shaping the future trajectory of India's political landscape.

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 19. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar revealed that the counting of votes will take place on June 4. The BJP has already announced candidates for all 60 seats, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu contesting from Mukto and Deputy CM Chowna Mein from Chowkham. Notably, 14 sitting MLAs, including three ministers, were dropped from the BJP's list. Congress and other parties are yet to declare their candidates for the assembly polls.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, revealing that the voting for the first phase will commence on April 19. The voting will be conducted in seven phases until June 1, with counting slated for June 4. CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the importance of inclusive measures, including home voting for voters above 85 and persons with disabilities. The announcement also covers assembly poll schedules for Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha. With 97 crore registered voters, the EC is geared up for the democratic process ahead.

The Election Commission of India set to unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, revealing a total of 96.8 crore eligible voters, including 1.8 crore first-time voters. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the priority of peaceful elections, citing past trends of minimal violence. With the recent appointment of new election commissioners, the EC asserted readiness for the democratic event. Speculation arose regarding the possibility of a reduction in the number of election phases due to improved internal security. Stay tuned for further updates on the upcoming polls.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 5% water cut in Mumbai until April 24, 2024. This measure is part of pre-monsoon conservation efforts at the Bhandup water treatment plant, the largest in Asia, supplying water to most parts of the city. With two treatment units totaling capacities of 1,910 and 900 million liters, BMC urges citizens to use water judiciously during this period. The civic body emphasizes the importance of water conservation amid ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water supply for Mumbai residents.            

Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha asserts her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate as "illegal" amid allegations linked to the Delhi excise policy. Taken into custody from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad, Kavitha vows to contest the charges. The arrest memo cites violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Kavitha becomes the third high-profile figure apprehended in the case, joining AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. Allegedly associated with a liquor lobby, Kavitha faces scrutiny over her purported involvement in the now-defunct excise policy.            

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voices disillusionment with the Election Commission of India (ECI), citing its failure to restore democracy in the region. Abdullah urges the ECI to conduct both assembly and Lok Sabha polls simultaneously in J&K, emphasizing the absence of assembly elections in a decade. He criticizes the ECI's mission, highlighting President Ram Nath Kovind's proposal for "One nation, one election." Abdullah, advocating for electoral transparency, asserts the National Conference's autonomy in candidate selection for the upcoming polls.            

Union Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledges the Supreme Court's decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme, aiming to curb black money in politics. Shah suggests enhancing the initiative rather than abolishing it entirely, emphasizing its role in combating financial corruption. During an interaction at the India Today Conclave, Shah addresses perceptions of BJP's advantage, revealing data on bonds received by various parties. He highlights BJP's accountability despite receiving a smaller proportion, hinting at equitable distribution among political entities. Shah also criticizes past cash donations practices, advocating transparency and accountability in political funding.

The Election Commission is poised to unveil the much-anticipated dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections today at 3 pm. Concurrently, Assembly election dates in select states will also be disclosed. With the current Lok Sabha's term nearing its conclusion on June 16th, the announcement triggers the onset of the Model Code of Conduct, dictating guidelines for political parties during the electoral process. As preparations intensify across the nation, nearly 97 crore eligible voters await their opportunity to cast ballots at over 12 lakh polling stations. The political arena brims with anticipation as parties gear up for the impending electoral battle.            

The Reporters' Collective sheds light on electoral bonds data, exposing significant donations by companies through obscure channels. High-profile contributors include a Kotak group company, a firm linked to a YSR Congress Party MP, and individuals associated with Reliance Industries. The lack of transparency in the scheme raises concerns about undisclosed financing of political parties, prompting scrutiny. The Supreme Court recently declared electoral bonds illegal, citing concerns over voter rights. With the scheme's abolition, attention intensifies on the opaque nature of political donations, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in campaign financing.