Tamil Nadu is set to witness another ‘son rise’ as State Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK’s Youth Wing Secretary, has been made the new Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Udhayanidhi’s elevation has been speculated since January but was stalled for multiple reasons, one of which was the BJP targeting him over his ‘Sanathana Dharma’ remarks, which forced even INDIA bloc leaders to distance themselves from him. His elevation was once again delayed due to the Parliament elections, which were then followed by the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that claimed 66 lives.
However, top party sources stated that although Udhayanidhi’s elevation was all set for August, the decision was made to wait until Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, was released on bail.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had earlier tried to evade questions about Udhayanidhi’s elevation, stating that the time was not right, changed his stance with the confirmation of Senthil Balaji’s release. He said, “There will be changes in the Cabinet, but there will be no disappointment”.
Udhayanidhi has always stated that the decision rests with the Chief Minister and that he will abide by it. However, his elevation was much anticipated within the ruling DMK, as the top leaders were waiting for a new ‘Thalapathy’ to advance the party and governance.
DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan stated that Udhayanidhi deserves the recognition. “I congratulate Udhayanidhi on his elevation. He deserves this position as he has put Tamil Nadu on the global map as Sports Minister, whether it be the Chess Olympiad or other initiatives. Nowhere in the history of Tamil Nadu has a Sports Minister been this proactive. Everyone in the party wanted him to become Deputy CM, as he represents the future and hope,” stated Salem Dharanidharan.
The Opposition AIADMK has called this elevation unacceptable, noting that Chief Minister Stalin had stated in an interview in 2021 that no one from his family would enter politics. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan claimed that it represents dynastic rule in the name of democracy. “Father, son, and grandson—this is what the DMK is made up of. DMK means it is only one family: Karunanidhi, Stalin, and Udhayanidhi Stalin,” stated Kovai Sathyan.
On his part, Udhayanidhi Stalin has already played a major role in the Cabinet, as he is not just the Sports Minister but also oversees ‘Special Programme Implementation’ and has been the face of Chief Minister Stalin on many occasions, handling critical issues such as the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.
An analysis of the DMK shows that Udhayanidhi now has his own deputies, which, according to sources, include the Industries Minister, Education Minister, and now Senthil Balaji, who is expected to become a strong ally.
However, unlike his father, who first became the Mayor of Chennai and then Deputy Chief Minister after enduring extreme political tests, Udhayanidhi has had a relatively easier path to becoming a Cabinet Minister and now Deputy Chief Minister. DMK top leaders also claim that he is being groomed as the heir apparent to his father in leading the party and the government after the 2026 Assembly elections.
Udhayanidhi’s current challenges will expand, as until now, his campaigns have faced only minor criticisms, but after taking on the Deputy CM role, he will have to respond to the harsh criticisms from Edappadi K Palanisamy, the mockery from Annamalai, and the allegations from YouTubers like Savukku Shankar, as well as face the star power of Vijay.
Udhayanidhi certainly has his father, who has transformed into a ‘Red Giant’ post the 2021 elections, but whether Udhayanidhi will become a ‘Sun’ or a ‘White Dwarf’ can only be determined by how he manages the Herculean task of filling his father’s shoes.
