The AIADMK leadership removed senior leaders C.V. Shanmugam, S.P. Velumani and C. Vijayabaskar from key party posts after internal divisions deepened over support to Chief Minister Vijay during the Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote. The action was taken by party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami amid a growing rebellion within the party. A breakaway AIADMK faction had backed Vijay’s TVK government during the floor test, helping it secure a comfortable majority in the Assembly. The move has intensified the political crisis inside AIADMK, with reports suggesting sharp disagreements over leadership, alliances and the party’s future direction in Tamil Nadu politics. (PC: India Today)

The Congress on Wednesday accused the Rajasthan BJP government of delaying the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak because a leader linked to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) was allegedly involved. According to the Congress, the Jaipur Dehat BJYM leader and his brother bought the leaked NEET question paper from Gurgaon for lakhs of rupees and sold it to students in Sikar for profit. Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully questioned why the state government allegedly waited nine days to register an FIR. The allegations come amid widening investigations into the NEET-UG leak across multiple states. (PC: The Indian Express)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has revoked the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chief Minister’s Office following strong criticism from alliance partners and opposition parties. Vettrivel’s appointment a day earlier had triggered controversy, with parties including the VCK, CPI and CPM questioning the decision. Facing mounting political pressure, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government withdrew the order. The episode has sparked debate in Tamil Nadu politics over political appointments and the influence of personal advisers in government, especially in key administrative roles close to the Chief Minister. (PC: India Today)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay comfortably won the trust vote in the 234-member Assembly on Wednesday, securing support from 144 MLAs, well above the majority mark of 118. The floor test witnessed intense political drama as legislators from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam staged a walkout during proceedings. Four MLAs from the Pattali Makkal Katchi and one BJP MLA abstained from voting. The rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam faction led by Shanmugam and SP Velumani, reportedly backed by 30 of the party’s 47 MLAs, appeared to support Vijay, with at least 24 AIADMK legislators believed to have voted in favour of the government.

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he had formally recorded his dissent over the selection process for the next CBI Director, alleging that the exercise was “biased”. Gandhi said he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after attending the high-level selection committee meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.   “The Leader of Opposition is not a rubber stamp,” Gandhi said in a post on X, adding that he could not “abdicate” his constitutional responsibility by participating in what he described as an unfair process. The panel included Prime Minister Modi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Gandhi. Several senior IPS officers are reportedly under consideration for the post. (PC: HT)

K. C. Venugopal has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Chief Minister of Kerala. During a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, seven out of ten senior Congress leaders reportedly supported Venugopal. V. D. Satheesan received support from two leaders, while one remained neutral. The Congress-led UDF won 102 of 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly election. The party high command is expected to announce its final decision soon. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has appointed his longtime astrologer and spiritual advisor, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister following the TVK government’s formation.   Vettrivel, who reportedly advised Vijay on the “auspicious” timing for his swearing-in ceremony, has remained closely associated with the actor-turned-politician throughout his political journey. Known in Tamil Nadu political circles for advising several senior leaders, including former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Vettrivel had publicly predicted TVK’s strong electoral performance before the Assembly polls. TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly and later secured support from Congress and VCK to form the government. (PC: India Today)

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 Tasmac liquor shops operating within 500 metres of religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu in his first major decision as Chief Minister. Authorities were directed to complete the closures within two weeks. Of the identified outlets, 276 were near places of worship, 186 near schools and colleges, and 255 near bus stands. The move is being projected as a major social reform initiative despite concerns over its financial impact, as Tasmac remains a key state revenue source. Vijay also approved 200 units of free electricity, anti-drug units in every district and a women’s safety force after assuming office. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal will implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme from June 1, while women across the state will also begin travelling free on government-run buses from the same date. The state government said existing welfare programmes would continue alongside Ayushman Bharat, ensuring beneficiaries retain access to current schemes. The rollout marks a significant policy shift in West Bengal’s healthcare framework by bringing the state under the Narendra Modi government’s flagship public healthcare initiative, which provides insurance coverage to eligible families. The introduction of free bus travel for women is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students and working professionals, while potentially increasing public transport usage across the state. (PC: X)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged municipality recruitment scam. The agency claimed Bose illegally recommended nearly 150 candidates for jobs in South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for money. ED officials questioned the 63-year-old leader at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake before taking him into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators also alleged they traced flats and bank deposits linked to the proceeds of crime. Bose, a former Bidhannagar MLA, will be produced before a special court on Tuesday. (PC: News18)