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.

A major fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, triggering panic among students and local residents.There were fears that some students were trapped inside the premises, while some were seen jumping from the first floor in an attempt to escape the flames.

Fire department teams and rescue personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the blaze. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to bring the fire under control, while rescue operations continued amid fears that more people could be trapped inside the building.

Rescue operation underway amid panic

Visuals from the scene showed thick smoke billowing out of the building as students and staff tried to flee. Eyewitnesses said several students jumped from the first floor to save themselves as the fire spread rapidly through the structure.

Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control after extensive efforts. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, and an investigation is expected to be launched.

Senior administrative and police officials reached the site to supervise rescue efforts. More details are awaited as emergency teams continue search and evacuation operations.