Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister Amidst Congratulatory Messages and Criticism

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. The announcement drew congratulatory messages from celebrities like Rajinikanth, Karthi, and Dhanush. However, BJP leaders criticized the move as nepotism. The appointment is part of a major cabinet reshuffle.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, was appointed the Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. This elevation was met with congratulatory messages, most notably from superstar Rajinikanth, who extended his wishes via a phone call, according to a Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) press release. Celebrities like actors Karthi, Santhanam, and Dhanush also extended their congratulations.

Just a day earlier, the Governor had accepted the Chief Minister's recommendation to designate Udhayanidhi as Deputy Chief Minister. Congratulatory messages poured in from various quarters, with significant support from the film industry. Actor Dhanush congratulated Udhayanidhi on social media, writing, 'Hearty congratulations to @Udhaystalin brother on becoming the Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu.' Kamal Hassan also shared his felicitation, stating, 'Congratulations @Udhaystalin on your elevation as Dy. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Today, you undertake a solemn oath both to the Constitution of India and the people of Tamil Nadu. I'm confident you will faithfully serve them both.'

In contrast, BJP leaders, including Shehzad Poonawalla, Tamilisai Soundararajan, ANS Prasad, and Narayanan Thirupathy, criticized the decision, calling it an act of nepotism. 'These parties are of the family, for the family, and by the family,' Poonawalla claimed, accusing the party of putting family interests above state welfare.

Udhayanidhi Stalin's appointment comes as part of a major cabinet reshuffle in Tamil Nadu. Alongside his new role, he will handle the portfolio of Planning and Development. The reshuffle also includes the re-induction of Senthil Balaji into the state cabinet, marking significant changes in the political landscape. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)