Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister

M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has appointed his son Udhayanidhi Stalin as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister during a cabinet reshuffle on September 28, 2024. Udhayanidhi Stalin was previously serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Raj Bhavan on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 3:30 PM. This development was confirmed by an official release from the Raj Bhavan.

In addition to his new role, Udhayanidhi Stalin will be responsible for the Planning and Development portfolio, while continuing with his existing duties. The reshuffle comes after months of speculation regarding his rising political career within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, where he has been seen as a prominent figure.

The cabinet reshuffle also saw Chief Minister Stalin recommending the induction of several new ministers, including Dr. Govi Chezhiaan and R. Rajendran, which has been approved by the Governor, R.N. Ravi. They replace former ministers, including T. Mano Thangaraj and Gingee K.S. Masthan, who have been dropped from the Council of Ministers.

In other significant changes, Dr. K. Ponmudy will transition from Minister for Higher Education to the Minister for Forests. Siva V. Meyyanathan, previously the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, will now oversee the Backward Classes Welfare Ministry. This reshuffle aligns with Udhayanidhi’s elevation and reflects the party’s strategy for future governance.

The announcement of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s new position has been met with various reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters within the DMK celebrated the move, while opposition parties criticized it as a continuation of “dynastic politics,” echoing the sentiments expressed in Indian political discourse.

The reshuffle and Udhayanidhi’s ascent also reflect the growing influence of younger leaders within the DMK, which observers say could shape the future political landscape of Tamil Nadu. This development follows a longstanding tradition in the DMK of familial political succession, reminiscent of the appointment of M.K. Stalin by his father, the former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.