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.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly reprimanded party workers after a section of the audience raised slogans in support of DK Shivakumar during a party programme in Bengaluru. Kharge also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against those responsible for disrupting the event.

The incident took place during the ‘Sankalpa Samavesha’ programme, where party leaders had gathered for an organisational event. According to reports, some workers repeatedly chanted “DK-DK” slogans, prompting Kharge to intervene and ask them to maintain discipline.

Visibly upset by the sloganeering, Kharge reminded workers that the gathering was meant for the party and not for promoting individual leaders.

“This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme,” Kharge said while stressing that Congress functions as an organisation rather than around personalities.

The veteran leader also expressed displeasure over the disruption, questioning why a few people should dominate proceedings when many others had attended the programme. Referring to his long political career, Kharge said the party had contributed significantly to the rise of many leaders and emphasised the need to uphold organisational discipline.

Warning the workers against similar behaviour in the future, Kharge said footage from the event would be examined and action would be taken if necessary.

“Discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.

The episode once again highlighted the importance the Congress leadership places on party discipline during organisational events in Karnataka.

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has sought to downplay the impact of a rebellion by six Lok Sabha MPs from the party, asserting that the organisation will continue to move forward despite the latest political setback.

Speaking as Shiv Sena marked its 60th foundation year, Raut said the party’s future does not depend on elected representatives and that it has overcome several challenges during its long history. He remarked that people may come and go, but the party continues its journey forward.

The comments come amid growing turmoil within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction after six MPs signalled their intention to break away. According to reports, the rebel lawmakers are dissatisfied with the leadership style of Uddhav Thackeray and have also expressed concerns over the party’s closeness to the Congress.

Among those seeking to leave the party are MPs Omraje Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Bhausaheb Vakchaure. Reports indicate that the lawmakers recently met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and cited concerns about the party’s political direction.

Party can rebuild after setbacks, says Raut

Referring to the latest round of defections, Raut maintained that Shiv Sena (UBT) has faced betrayals and internal challenges before and has always managed to recover. He stressed that the party remains cadre-based and is not dependent on MPs or MLAs for its existence.

The Rajya Sabha MP also accused the ruling BJP of attempting to weaken regional political parties across the country. According to Raut, efforts have been made over the past decade to diminish the role of regional forces, and a healthy democracy requires a strong opposition.

The rebellion has intensified speculation about another split within the Thackeray camp, which has already faced major political upheaval in recent years. However, the party leadership has indicated that it intends to continue its organisational work and focus on rebuilding support despite the current crisis.