Speculation Rises Over Udhayanidhi Stalin's Prospective Promotion

Amidst speculation regarding Udhayanidhi Stalin's elevation to Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, DMDK General Secretary Premalatha suggests the ruling DMK should appoint a senior minister instead. Citing law-and-order issues and recent crimes, Premalatha criticized the ruling DMK, while AIADMK General Secretary Palaniswami echoed similar sentiments.

Speculation is mounting that Udhayanidhi Stalin, 46, could be promoted to the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu. DMDK General Secretary Premalatha, allied with the main opposition AIADMK, recommended on Thursday that the ruling DMK should select one of its senior ministers for the role.

Chief Minister M K Stalin's son, Udhayanidhi, who has been a cabinet minister for just over 18 months, is the subject of ongoing rumors regarding his elevation to the government's second-highest position. Answering reporters' questions, Premalatha suggested that among the numerous senior ministers, one could be chosen for the Deputy Chief Minister post.

"The chief minister can only do good for the people if he stays healthy. Hence, we urge, on behalf of the DMDK, to elevate a senior minister as the deputy chief minister," Premalatha urged the media after leading a protest against the government's increase in power tariffs.

Referring to the recent murder of TN BSP chief K Armstrong and other crimes, Premalatha criticized the law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu, asserting a lack of public safety. "This is condemnable. People are suffering in many ways. However, the chief minister is creating an impression that everything is fine. It's like trying to conceal an entire pumpkin in a rice bowl," she said, using a regional metaphor and warned that the public is observing the state's affairs closely.

Although the AIADMK has not officially responded to Premalatha's comments, party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made similar statements earlier, during the Lok Sabha elections, remarking that the DMK only awards high positions to members of its first family.

"Unlike the DMK, an ordinary person like me in AIADMK could become the chief minister," he pointed out.

(With inputs from agencies.)