Bollywood actor and former Congress Lok Sabha MP Govinda, known for defeating BJP's Ram Naik in 2004, joined Shiv Sena in Mumbai, alongside Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Shinde praised Govinda's popularity, welcoming him into the party. The 60-year-old actor, starting his political journey anew after a 14-year hiatus, expressed surprise at returning to politics. Govinda emphasized his comeback, referring to the past years as 'vanvas' (exile). This move marks Govinda's reentry into the political arena, shifting allegiance from Congress to Shiv Sena, a significant development in Maharashtra's political landscape.

The Congress party is gearing up to finalize its remaining candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in a crucial meeting scheduled for March 31. Led by prominent leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi, the Central Election Committee (CEC) will convene to discuss candidates from key states like Delhi and Maharashtra. With the polls commencing on April 19, the party aims to complete its roster, having already announced 208 candidates. The counting of votes is slated for June 4.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's custody under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was extended till April 1 by a Delhi court. The ED sought the extension, citing Kejriwal's non-disclosure of passwords, hindering access to digital data. They emphasized the need to confront him with AAP Goa candidates' statements. Kejriwal defended himself, pointing out the lack of convictions or new cases against him despite the two-year investigation. The ED's assertion of his non-cooperation contrasts with Kejriwal's stance. The case, involving thousands of pages from CBI and ED, remains ongoing.

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL seeking AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's removal as chief minister post after getting arrest in a money laundering case. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, declined to comment, stating it's beyond judicial interference. They directed other government wings to assess per the law. The court asked for legal grounds for Kejriwal's removal, noting practical difficulties aside. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, is accused of conspiring in an excise policy favoritism case. He remains in Enforcement Directorate custody till March 28.

The Election Commission (EC) issued show-cause notices to BJP's Dilip Ghosh for remarks on Mamata Banerjee and Congress' Supriya Shrinate over Kangana Ranaut. EC found them prima facie violating the Model Code of Conduct and its March 1 advisory on political discourse standards. The advisory prohibits "low-level personal attacks" and actions "repugnant to the honor and dignity of women". Ghosh's comments prompted EC's action, emphasizing adherence to ethical campaign conduct. This move underscores EC's commitment to upholding decorum and gender sensitivity in political discourse amid ongoing elections.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted the dedication of India's youth to national progress at the NDTV Yuva Conclave. He defined 'yuva' as embodying empowerment, development, passion, growth, and commitment. Thakur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, portraying him as strict at work yet caring towards Indian citizens. He credited the youth for India's rise as the world's third-largest startup hub in just ten years. Thakur also acknowledged the youth's awareness of their rights. Overall, he depicted a driven and informed young generation shaping India's future under PM Modi's leadership.

Opposition parties have slammed the BJP for its political ad parodying INDIA bloc leaders, where a woman is depicted as a bride with leaders arguing over her groom. Congress and UBT leaders denounced the portrayal, calling it an attempt to diminish women's significance. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate emphasized the sanctity of marriage and criticized the ad's objectification of women. UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the ad as a pathetic example, highlighting its reinforcement of stereotypes. Chaturvedi criticized the portrayal for reducing a woman's role to impressing a groom, rather than participating in governance.  

Sunita Kejriwal announced her husband, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, would unveil details of alleged liquor scam in court on March 28. BJP's Shazia Ilmi questioned the delay in Kejriwal's revelation, asking why AAP leaders suffered in jail while waiting. Sunita affirmed Arvind's plan, stating no significant findings emerged from 250 raids related to the scam. AAP insists Kejriwal won't resign, vowing to govern despite potential custody. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor opposes running the government from jail. As anticipation builds for Kejriwal's court appearance, scrutiny surrounding the alleged scam deepens.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals she turned down BJP's invitation to contest Lok Sabha elections citing financial constraints. BJP President JP Nadda offered her candidacy from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, but she expressed inability due to insufficient funds and concerns over community and religious criteria. Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, expressed gratitude for her decision being accepted and stated she would support other candidates during the campaign. She emphasizes personal earnings are separate from government funds, clarifying her stance on contesting elections.

Delhi Minister Atishi suggests that the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could strengthen AAP's electoral prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, citing increased public sympathy. Kejriwal's detention by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering case linked to the excise policy is labeled by Atishi as an unprecedented attack on democracy. She asserts a shift in sentiment towards the BJP's overreach, transforming the election into a "People vs BJP" contest. Kejriwal remains in custody till March 28, sparking a political narrative favoring AAP amidst public outrage.