The Congress party unveiled its initial list of 39 candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, featuring Rahul Gandhi running from Wayanad and Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon. Other notable names include Shashi Tharoor, DK Suresh, and K Sudhakaran. The list, with 15 candidates from the general caste and 24 from SC/ST/minorities, was finalized after deliberation by senior leadership. While Rahul Gandhi's potential second seat remains uncertain, discussions will continue in upcoming meetings. The announcement underscores Congress's strategic approach to fielding candidates in the upcoming election.

The Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress's plea to halt the income tax department's actions against its bank accounts, dealing a blow to the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The tribunal rejected Congress's request for a 10-day stay to approach the high court. Allegations of ₹210 crore unpaid taxes for 2018-19 prompted the account freeze. Congress vows to challenge the verdict, calling it an attack on democracy. Advocate Vivek Tankha criticizes the tribunal's decision, citing past precedents. The party will explore legal avenues, including an appeal to the high court.

Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, lauded by PM Modi as a symbol of "Nari Shakti." Recognizing her impactful contributions to social work, philanthropy, and education, Modi expressed delight in her nomination. Home Minister Amit Shah extended congratulations, praising her as an embodiment of women's strength. Murty, chairperson of the Murty Trust and wife of Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, considers it a significant Women's Day gift and embraces the responsibility to serve the nation. Her diverse achievements encompass literature, social causes, and education.

Karnataka's Congress party faces challenges finding candidates for Lok Sabha elections as several state ministers decline requests to contest, citing reluctance to leave positions of power. Despite hopes for a turnaround following the party's state election triumph and positive response to Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, reluctance persists. Central leadership eyes ministers for candidacy, but many, including Lakshmi Hebbalkar, refuse. With a hardline stance expected, state chief DK Shivakumar asserts compliance with high command decisions. Congress general secretary Randeeep Surjewala notes only one minister has agreed to consider contesting.

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.