The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested Aam Aadmi Party leader Deepak Singla after carrying out searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Goa in connection with an alleged bank fraud-linked money laundering case.

Singla, who serves as the AAP’s Goa co-incharge, was questioned for several hours before being taken into custody by the agency. Officials said the searches were conducted by the ED’s Delhi Zonal Office-2.

The development comes months before the Goa Assembly elections scheduled next year and has triggered a strong reaction from the AAP leadership.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Singla was being targeted for political reasons and alleged that he was arrested because he refused to join the BJP.

Reacting to the ED action, Atishi accused the BJP of using central agencies against opposition parties in poll-bound states. She alleged that the raids were aimed at intimidating party workers and accessing the party’s organisational data in Goa.

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also criticised the Centre and alleged misuse of institutions such as the ED and CBI against opposition leaders.

According to reports, this is not the first time Deepak Singla has faced scrutiny from the ED. In 2024, the agency had also conducted searches at his residence in connection with the same alleged money laundering investigation.

Congress leader V. D. Satheesan takes oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday along with a 20-member cabinet, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) prepares to formally assume power in the state after ten years.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge attended the ceremony.

The swearing-in marks the UDF’s return to government in Kerala following its victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Satheesan, who served as Leader of the Opposition during the previous term, has been credited with strengthening the Congress-led alliance’s grassroots campaign in the state.

According to reports, the new ministry includes several first-time ministers, with the UDF aiming to balance experience and fresh leadership in the cabinet.

Reports also said the incoming government plans to introduce measures aimed at reducing VIP culture and limiting official extravagance.

Cabinet formation and political significance

The Congress-led alliance secured a decisive mandate in the Kerala Assembly elections, defeating the Left Democratic Front government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

Satheesan’s elevation to the top post comes after days of internal consultations within the Congress leadership over the chief ministerial choice.

The incoming administration is expected to finalise portfolio allocations shortly after the oath-taking ceremony.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent a strong message to party members amid internal unrest following the Trinamool Congress’ electoral defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying those who wish to leave the party are free to do so.

The remarks come as the TMC grapples with its worst electoral performance in years and growing dissatisfaction within its ranks.

‘Will not stop anyone from leaving’

At a recent internal review meeting with party candidates, Banerjee reportedly told leaders that she would not attempt to hold back anyone planning to exit the party. She emphasised that the organisation would move forward with those who remain committed.

According to party sources, she said she would focus on rebuilding the organisation from the ground up, including restoring party offices and strengthening grassroots-level structures.

Push for rebuilding the organisation

Banerjee also called for detailed, area-wise reports from party workers and directed them to hold meetings at block and town levels to assess the reasons behind the defeat.

She further indicated that the party would undergo internal restructuring, with efforts aimed at reviving organisational strength at the local level.

Fact-finding teams and internal review

As part of the post-poll exercise, the Trinamool Congress has also set up multiple fact-finding teams to examine alleged irregularities in key districts.

These developments highlight growing internal churn within the party as it attempts to recover from its electoral setback and rebuild its support base.