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.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, ending a turbulent tenure that lasted less than two years.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns in September. The announcement came after increasing pressure from within his party amid falling popularity and growing concerns over Labour’s political fortunes.

Pressure within Labour intensifies

The resignation follows days of speculation over Starmer’s future after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerged as a strong challenger within the party. Burnham’s recent victory in a special parliamentary election intensified calls for a leadership change and added to the pressure on Starmer to step aside.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, bringing the party back to power after 14 years in opposition. However, his government’s popularity declined sharply over the past year as Labour struggled in opinion polls and local elections.

Emotional announcement outside Downing Street

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said every major decision he had taken had been guided by what he believed was best for the country. He also said he now wanted to spend more time with his family while ensuring a smooth transfer of power.

His departure makes him the sixth British prime minister in the past decade to leave office before completing a full term, highlighting continued political instability in the United Kingdom.

The Labour Party is expected to begin the process of choosing its next leader in the coming weeks, with Andy Burnham widely seen as a leading contender.