2024-07-20 07:56:32
Chennai: There is going to be a major reshuffle in the MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu. According to top sources in the DMK government, Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister and Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin is going to get a big post. The DMK is preparing to promote Udhayanidhi as Deputy Chief Minister before August 22. This promotion is similar to his father MK Stalin, who became Deputy Chief Minister after the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.When will I get the chair?
In fact, Udhayanidhi pushed for the promotion to gain wider acceptance within the government and reduce the burden on his father, it is learnt. A senior DMK source confirmed that Udhayanidhi’s promotion is certain and will likely happen before CM Stalin’s scheduled visit to the United States on August 22. The main motive is to reduce the burden on the Chief Minister. This will ensure smooth governance. A senior minister said that this move will help in giving important responsibilities to Udhayanidhi. He pointed out the need to prepare for the 2026 assembly elections.
Promotion based on ministerial performance
Amid mixed opinions about Udhayanidhi’s political commitment in the state’s political circles, a senior minister dismissed doubts, saying the post was not imposed but was requested by Udhayanidhi himself. The minister said he would not have sought the plum post if he was a reluctant politician. These rumours arise due to his youth and celebrity status. The role of deputy CM will enable Udhayanidhi to play a more prominent role in the 2026 election campaigns. The promotion coincides with a pending cabinet reshuffle based on ministerial performance.
What did the CM say on such discussions before this?
A senior DMK leader said the reshuffle decisions have not been finalised yet but the performance of several ministers will be taken into account. In January 2024, CM Stalin had spoken about rumours about his son’s promotion and called them baseless. He had called the episode the handiwork of rivals. Stalin had also defended Udhayanidhi’s words that all ministers in the cabinet, including him, were working as deputy to the CM.
Will the tension increase due to Udhayanidhi’s power?
When asked about the reaction of party stalwarts to the decision, two senior DMK leaders said there would be no problem as long as powerful ministers are not harassed. Problems arise only when portfolios of powerful ministers are taken away from them for Udhayanidhi. Otherwise, there is no issue with Udhayanidhi’s promotion, a leader said.
Udhayanidhi is preparing for a big responsibility
Udhayanidhi, 46, is also known for his influential film company Red Giants, which has major stakes in the production and distribution of Tamil and other South Indian films. Speculation about Udhayanidhi, who represents Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni in the Assembly, being promoted to the post of deputy chief minister had been rife for some time but was delayed. Despite Stalin’s atheist stance, Udhayanidhi, his mother Durga Stalin and influential brother-in-law Sabarisan are believers, reflecting a mix of personal beliefs within the family. Udhayanidhi’s promotion has not been delayed like Stalin’s. Stalin had to wait longer in the shadows before rising in the DMK ranks.
The decision will be taken before Stalin leaves for America
In fact, Chief Minister Stalin is going to leave for America in a few days to attract investment. It is being told that he will return to the country a few days before Independence Day. Knowledgeable people say that before the Chief Minister leaves for America, there will be a reshuffle in the cabinet and Udhayanidhi will get additional responsibilities.