A petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at the clinic of BJP leader Dr Tarsem Garg in Punjab’s Bathinda, triggering panic in the area and prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred late on Monday night, just ahead of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s scheduled visit to the city.

According to preliminary information, two masked individuals were involved in the attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed one suspect lighting a bottle filled with petrol while another recorded the incident. The burning bottle was then thrown inside the clinic premises before the accused fled the spot.

The sudden explosion-like sound created panic among nearby residents, who rushed to the clinic after the attack. No injuries were reported, although some property, including a parked scooty and plants in the courtyard, was damaged. Burn marks were also found at the site.

Dr Tarsem Garg said he had not received any threats and was unaware of any personal enmity that could have led to the incident. Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and began collecting evidence. Senior officers inspected the scene and are analysing CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

SP City Narinder Singh confirmed that two unidentified individuals were involved in the attack and said multiple teams have been deployed to trace the accused. The incident has raised security concerns, particularly because of the chief minister’s visit to Bathinda.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Monday delivered his first detailed speech in the state Assembly, using the occasion to respond to critics who had earlier dismissed his party as merely an “actors’ party”.

Addressing the House, Vijay said several people had ridiculed TVK when it entered politics, questioning whether a party led by film personalities could succeed. He, however, asserted that the electoral mandate received by his party had answered those criticisms.

The Chief Minister said political movements should be judged by their commitment to public welfare and governance rather than the backgrounds of those leading them. He stressed that the people of Tamil Nadu had placed their trust in his party and that the government would work to honour that faith.

Vijay invokes leaders who faced criticism

During his address, Vijay recalled that several prominent leaders in Tamil Nadu’s political history had also faced scepticism before rising to power. He said doubts about experience and capability were not new in politics and noted that public support ultimately determines political success.

The TVK leader reiterated his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and ensuring that the Assembly functions in a democratic manner, with adequate space for both the ruling side and the opposition. He said the interests of the state’s people would remain the government’s top priority.

Vijay’s speech drew attention as it marked his first comprehensive intervention in the Assembly since assuming office as Chief Minister following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, slightly below the seasonal average, even as residents continued to experience hot and humid weather conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital is expected to witness partly cloudy skies during the day, with the possibility of thunderstorm activity and light rainfall in some areas later in the evening or during the night. Strong surface winds are also likely during the day.

The city’s air quality, however, deteriorated and slipped into the ‘poor’ category, raising concerns over deteriorating atmospheric conditions. Authorities have advised vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and those with respiratory ailments, to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.

Weather officials said temperatures in Delhi remained marginally lower than normal, but high humidity levels continued to make conditions uncomfortable for residents. The “feels like” temperature remained significantly higher due to moisture in the air.

The IMD has forecast partly cloudy conditions over the next few days, with chances of very light to light rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi-NCR. Gusty winds ranging between 20 and 30 kmph, reaching up to 40 kmph at times, are also expected.