Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "king of lies" at RJD's rally in Patna. Kharge urged Tejashwi Yadav to refrain from reuniting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing Kumar of betrayal. Kharge highlighted unfulfilled promises by PM Modi and emphasized Tejashwi Yadav's commitment to job creation. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav cautioned against Nitish Kumar's unpredictability, suggesting the state government "get its insurance done." Nitish Kumar's political maneuvers have sparked skepticism, with Kharge stressing the importance of opposing BJP's fear tactics and preserving democracy.  

In a move to bolster BJP's funds before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi contributed Rs 2,000 to the party's 'party fund' and called on citizens to join the 'Donation for Nation Building' initiative. The campaign, launched by BJP president JP Nadda, aims to support PM Modi's vision of building a stronger India. With BJP's funding witnessing a significant increase, political donations remain tax-exempt under relevant sections of the Income Tax Act.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his decisions like demonetization and GST have devastated small businesses, leading to higher unemployment. Speaking during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi asserted that India now has more joblessness than Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan combined. He also accused the Centre of favoring the affluent with Indian Railways policies, claiming the poor are excluded from "elite trains." Gandhi's remarks come amidst his ongoing yatra and ahead of his participation in the opposition's INDIA bloc rally in Patna.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announces its initial list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to run for a third term from Varanasi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The list, drawn from 16 states, features 34 union ministers and state ministers, emphasizing caste diversity. BJP aims to secure 370 seats independently, eyeing a total of 400 with allies. Notably, candidates are announced well ahead of the election schedule, allowing ample time for campaigning. Two sitting MPs, Gautam Gambhir and Jayant Sinha, opt out.      

Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj, is set to make her political debut by contesting from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, as announced by the BJP. Swaraj, a Supreme Court lawyer, replaces Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi for the seat. Expressing gratitude to party leaders, Swaraj aims to uphold the BJP's resolve for a resounding victory. The BJP's move to replace four out of five sitting MPs in Delhi signals a strategic shift ahead of the elections, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious electoral objectives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek re-election from Varanasi as the BJP unveils its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. This marks Modi's third consecutive bid from Varanasi, where he previously triumphed over prominent contenders. The list also includes 34 ministers, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah contesting from Gujarat's Gandhinagar and other notable figures securing nominations across various states. The announcement follows a late-night meeting at PM Modi's residence to finalize candidates, reflecting the party's strategic preparations for the upcoming elections.

Former Union Minister and BJP MP from Hazaribagh, Jayant Sinha, asked party president JP Nadda to relieve him of electoral duties to concentrate on combating global climate change. Sinha expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for past opportunities. His decision follows Gautam Gambhir's similar appeal to focus on upcoming cricket commitments. BJP likely to announce first list of 100 Lok Sabha candidates soon, prioritizing fresh faces and potentially fielding more women leaders. PM Modi held a late-night meeting with party leadership, signaling strategic decisions ahead.      

BJP MP Gautam Gambhir has urged party president JP Nadda to release him from political responsibilities to prioritize upcoming cricket commitments, indicating a potential exit from politics. Gambhir, known for his criticism of AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, joined BJP in 2019 and won the East Delhi Lok Sabha seat. His decision, weeks before the elections, suggests he may not contest. A cricket stalwart, Gambhir's notable IPL contributions and commentary career underscore his stature in Indian sports. BJP's strategy in Delhi, where they won all seats in 2019, faces new challenges amidst alliance formations.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar surprises political circles by inviting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on March 2. The move sparks intrigue amid strained ties with nephew Ajit Pawar and upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest Ajit Pawar might field his wife in Baramati. The lunch coincides with the CM and deputies' visit to Baramati for a government-organized job fair. Earlier, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the 'real NCP' and allotted party symbol.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the BJP will vie for 11 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with AGP and UPPL contesting two and one seat, respectively. The allies, confident in mutual support, aim to secure victory in the upcoming elections. Sarma expressed optimism, highlighting the addition of new faces due to some existing MPs opting out. Additionally, he noted key defections from Congress, calling it a "landmark day" for Assam BJP, signaling a perceived decline in the opposition party's influence in the region.