BJP slams Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' comment as misogynistic, alleging insult to India's voters, while the opposition defends him. Gandhi accused government misuse of central agencies for electoral gains, triggering a political row. BJP leaders criticize Gandhi's stance on EVM integrity, with Nalin Kohli calling it an insult to voters. Shehzad Poonawalla brands Gandhi anti-women power. RJD's Mrityunjay Tiwari supports Gandhi's remarks, promising public backlash. Congress's Sandeep Dikshit alleges BJP's misuse of agencies. AAP's Gopal Rai sees INDIA alliance fighting dictatorship. PM Modi counters Gandhi's 'Shakti' stance, asserting reverence for women. Political tensions escalate ahead of elections.            

The Election Commission of India has ordered the removal of top officials in several states ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. West Bengal's DGP Rajeev Kumar and home secretaries from six states are among those directed to be removed. The directive applies to officers serving in election-related roles for three years or stationed in their home districts. Maharashtra faced scrutiny for non-compliance, resulting in instructions to transfer BMC officials by 6 pm Monday. The commission expressed dissatisfaction with the state's chief secretary and extended the directive to other municipal commissioners and additional/deputy commissioners across Maharashtra.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lambasts the BJP, alleging they orchestrated a scheme to funnel black money into party coffers through electoral bonds, as data reveals BJP received ₹6,900 crore, compared to Congress's ₹1,300 crore. Ramesh deems the scheme the "biggest extortion racket" by the ruling government. He points to companies swiftly purchasing bonds post-probe threats and alleges quid-pro-quo contracts with BJP. The Election Commission's release of bond data prompted scrutiny, revealing 1,260 entities purchasing ₹12,769 crore in bonds, with notable donors including SN Mohanty and Lakshmi Niwas Mittal. BJP denies wrongdoing.

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.