Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister and DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan, who previously acknowledged and praised DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s leadership, stating he would accept Udhayanidhi’s guidance just as he did with Karunanidhi’s, has now delivered a shocking message. Duraimurugan advised Udhayanidhi not to expect immediate rewards, noting that many others have worked harder and endured significant hardships before him. This unexpected critique has sent shockwaves through the DMK.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is already facing internal tensions over Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin elevating his son, Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, as the party’s next face. A few ministers and MPs have been aligning with Udhayanidhi, pushing for his promotion to Deputy Chief Minister whenever possible and assuring him of their support.
On 23 August 2024, actor Rajinikanth heightened the ongoing tensions criticizing veteran leader Duraimurugan. He described him as exceptional student, despite his past achievements, refuse to exit the political stage, suggesting that his continued involvement is problematic to the future leader. In response, DMK scion and minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also praised Rajinikanth’s speech stating, “The youth are eager to support us; we just need to provide them with opportunities and guidance. Superstar Rajinikanth’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause, as you all must have witnessed.”
This further deepened the rift within the party. Speaking at an event organized by the Vellore district DMK, Minister Duraimurugan commented, “In other states, defeated parties are making comebacks, but here in Tamil Nadu, only those who invoke the name ‘Anna’ seem to gain power. Today, young people are entering politics, and I welcome that. Youth should come, without them this party will end at some point, so make way for the youth. However, the youth who are coming should watch their path, be mindful of the party, and not expect what will you get immediately. Many who have worked tirelessly are here, some have got beaten and kicked, many endured criticism from spouses and children. They have too sacrificed for this party. So, we should give way to the youth. If we think all of this, a party can thrive.”
Duraimurugan’s remarks about the youth, which seemed to indirectly target Udhayanidhi Stalin, have once again ignited significant discussion.
"இளைஞர்கள் பதவியாசை உடன் கட்சிக்கு வரக்கூடாது" – திமுக பொதுச் செயலாளர் துரைமுருகன் பேச்சு#malaimurasu #BreakingNews #NewsUpdates #dmk @katpadidmk #duraimurugan #MKStalin pic.twitter.com/EDNvfkmRu4
— Malaimurasu TV (@MalaimurasuTv) September 12, 2024
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.