In a significant development, Rahul Gandhi has been confirmed to contest from Kerala's Wayanad constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. However, discussions on whether he will contest from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, were deferred. The decision came after the central election committee meeting, attended by top Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi via Zoom. Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram. The first candidate list is expected to include contestants from several states, with further deliberations scheduled for March 11. No candidates from Uttar Pradesh were discussed due to the seat-sharing agreement with Samajwadi Party.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Article 370, questioning the narrative that it hindered progress. Abdullah retorted, "If Article 370 was this bad, how did Jammu and Kashmir ever make progress?" PM Modi, during his Srinagar visit, hailed the scrapping of Article 370 as ushering in a "new Jammu and Kashmir." Abdullah countered, citing past comparisons of progress under Article 370. He also criticized the scrapping of the provision, stating, "Today, education is only free up to the 14th class." He called for an impartial investigation into the pre and post-370 revocation discrepancies.    

Union Minister Smriti Irani taunted the Congress for hesitating to announce its Amethi candidate, asserting it reflects fear of defeat. Irani, BJP's candidate for Amethi, defeated Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 elections. She suggested the delay signals Amethi's declining stronghold for Congress. Responding to rumors of Rahul contesting from both Wayanad and Amethi, Irani challenged him to face Amethi alone, implying anticipation of defeat. The BJP leader made these remarks while inaugurating projects worth Rs 206 crore in her constituency. Congress district president Pradeep Singhal later stated Rahul would contest from Amethi.

22 retired civil services officers wrote to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, urging him not to administer the oath to Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain. Allegations suggest he didn't oppose pro-Pakistan slogans in the Karnataka Assembly. Three arrested for 'Pakistan Zindabad' chants after a Congress candidate's Rajya Sabha win. Congress denies, claims slogans were in support of Hussain. Government orders forensic investigation into the allegations. Tensions rise as controversy unfolds.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confronts former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, now with BJP, warning that if he runs in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, she'll ensure his defeat. Speaking at a Trinamool march for International Women's Day, Banerjee criticized the ex-judge, previously known for probing irregularities in her government's recruitments. Gangopadhyay, joining BJP after resigning as a judge, expressed intent to work against the "corrupt TMC regime." Banerjee, countering Prime Minister Modi's remarks, defends Bengal's safety for women amidst the Sandeshkhali controversy.

Former Calcutta High Court judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who resigned recently, has joined the BJP in Kolkata. He had conflicts with the TMC government and expressed a desire to join the BJP at a press meeting. Gangopadhyay aims to contribute to the party's efforts in removing the allegedly corrupt Bengal government. BJP leaders welcomed him, emphasizing his commitment to justice. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar sees it as a historic moment, suggesting Gangopadhyay may participate in electoral politics. The former judge cited the need for change in Bengal, expressing concern about the state's backward trajectory.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be facing a court appearance on March 16 after the Rouse Avenue court ordered him to respond to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons in the liquor policy case. The ED complained twice about Kejriwal's non-compliance, alleging intentional disobedience of the first three summons. Despite skipping eight summons, Kejriwal, citing their illegality, proposed a post-March 12 date or virtual appearance, which the ED rejected. Three AAP leaders have already been arrested in related cases. Kejriwal's next hearing remains uncertain amid concerns of a potential arrest.

In a bid to reclaim Amethi, Rahul Gandhi gears up for a face-off with Union Minister Smriti Irani, who recently purchased a house in the constituency. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra signals his intent, making a rare appearance in the region. Sources confirm Gandhi's candidacy approval by Congress leadership, continuing the family legacy in the Gandhi bastion. Meanwhile, Irani's persistent efforts since 2014 paid off in 2019, securing her victory. The electoral battle intensifies as both contenders vie for Amethi's allegiance ahead of the impending elections.          

Trinamool Congress alleges former Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay colluded with BJP during his tenure, following his resignation and announcement of BJP membership. TMC's Abhishek Banerjee claims Gangopadhyay was in contact with BJP while delivering judgments. Gangopadhyay retaliates, accusing TMC of corruption and attacking a sitting judge. Amidst controversy, Gangopadhyay's shift to BJP raises questions about judicial impartiality. Tensions escalate as political affiliations intertwine with judiciary, prompting scrutiny of judicial independence in West Bengal.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed West Bengal's bureaucracy, including district magistrates and police superintendents, to ensure impartiality and transparency during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards violence or intimidation. Central forces will be deployed impartially, and observers will actively visit polling booths. The ECI prohibits civil volunteers for election duties, establishes a social media cell to counter misinformation, and urges transparency in granting campaign permissions. The EC's stringent measures aim to uphold fairness and accountability in the electoral process.