According to report by Indian Express based on top sources in the DMK government, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s youth welfare and sports development minister and son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, is set to be coronated as the Deputy Chief Minister before 22 August 2024.
The report says that Udhayanidhi has been advocating for this promotion to gain broader acceptance within the government and alleviate some of his father’s workload.
According to the Indian Express report, a top DMK source confirmed the elevation which is likely to happen before CM Stalin’s trip to the United States on August 22. The primary aim is to reduce the Chief Minister’s burden and ensure smoother governance.
Apparently, this move will help groom Udhayanidhi with significant responsibilities. DMK leaders think that the deputy CM role will also enable Udhayanidhi to play a more prominent part in the 2026 election campaigns.
Despite mixed opinions about Udhayanidhi’s political commitment, a senior minister dismissed doubts, noting that Udhayanidhi requested the position himself.
“If he was a reluctant politician, he wouldn’t demand a heavier post. These rumors arise because of his youth and celebrity status,” the minister was quoted saying in the report.
This promotion coincides with a pending cabinet reshuffle based on ministerial performance.
In January 2024, CM Stalin addressed rumors about his son’s promotion, calling them unfounded and the “handiwork of rivals.” Stalin also quoted Udhayanidhi as saying that all ministers in the cabinet, including him, were “working as deputies to the CM.”
Two senior DMK leaders indicated that party veterans would not oppose the decision as long as powerful ministers’ portfolios were not reassigned to Udhayanidhi.
Rise Of The Dynast
Udhayanidhi, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, joined his father’s cabinet on 14 December 2022, the auspicious day when the Parthasarathy Perumal Temple at Tiruvallikeni will underwent Thirumanjana Sevai (sacred bath ceremony). He shot to national fame after his controversial remarks about eradicating Sanatana Dharma. He had said “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting.”
The Supreme Court in March 2024 criticized the DMK dynast for his controversial comments on ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ stating that he “abused his rights.”
“You have abused your rights… You know what you have said. You should have realized the consequences. You are a Minister, not a layman,” remarked the Supreme Court during the hearing.
In June 2024, Udhayanidhi Stalin, appeared before the Special Magistrate’s Court in Bengaluru to face trial for making derogatory remarks about Sanatana Dharma. He was granted bail on a ₹1 lakh cash surety.
Representing Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni in the assembly, his elevation to Deputy CM has been much anticipated but delayed. Unlike his father, who waited longer for his political ascent, Udhayanidhi is moving forward with the support of his family.
At 46, Udhayanidhi is also recognized for his influential film company, Red Giants, which significantly impacts the production and distribution of Tamil and South Indian films. The company had produced only 41 films from 2008 to 2021. However, within a span of just two years, from 2021 to 2023, they have released 35 films.
Durga Stalin initially did not want her son to face a similar delay as his father. Udhayanidhi’s decision to actively pursue a political career, with family consensus, aims to address any challenges of dynastic succession sooner rather than later.
“Won’t Enter Politics” – Udhayanidhi And His Father Stalin Had Said
In an interview with actress Sangeetha for Puthuyugam on March 6, 2014, Udhayanidhi stated that he is not interested in politics and that it is not mandatory to enter politics if born into a political family. He also stated, “There are many people in the DMK who have worked hard for the party, and I believe they should be given prominent positions.”
மறப்பது மக்களின் இயல்பு அதை ஞாபக படுத்துவது நமது கடமை… pic.twitter.com/8wOxwbqHmO
— Prabhakaran Kamaraj (@wolfprabha) December 13, 2022
On August 6, 2017, during the press meet for his mega-flop movie Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam, Udhayanidhi stated that no one in his family or friends had asked him to enter politics and that he is not interested in doing so.
On May 26, 2011, Udhayanithi stated that he will never enter politics in response to a fan who wished him good luck for his first film Oru Kal Oru Kannadi and asked him to enter politics.
@rajivputtu I don’t hav any intention of gettin into politics
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) May 26, 2011
In another such instance on Jul 23, 2011, he replied to a user named @robotag that he will not enter politics.
@robotag kandippa politics vara maataen!
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) July 23, 2011
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