Udhayanidhi Stalin Named Deputy CM Amid Mixed Reactions

Udhayanidhi Stalin takes on the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, eliciting varied responses from political entities. Previously serving as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, he now also heads Planning and Development. The move occurs alongside a significant cabinet reshuffle.

Udhayanidhi Stalin has been promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, prompting congratulations from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and allied parties. Udhayanidhi, who was the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, will now also oversee Planning and Development. His appointment as Deputy Chief Minister was officially confirmed on Saturday.

DMK MP M M Abdulla expressed his happiness, stating that it was a long-standing wish of the party, and Udhayanidhi deserved the elevation. He noted that Udhayanidhi's new role would attract more youth and first-time voters. DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu called it a very happy moment for the party.

Congress leader K. Selvaperunthagai and VCK Founder-President Thol. Thirumavalavan also welcomed Udhayanidhi's promotion. Chennai Mayor Priya Rajan mentioned that the party is optimistic about the future and the upcoming 2026 assembly elections.

In a related development, DMK leader V Senthil Balaji and three other MLAs were sworn in as ministers in Chief Minister MK Stalin's government. Balaji will manage Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition & Excise. Other newly appointed ministers include Govi Chezhian for Higher Education, R. Rajendran for Tourism, and SM Nasar for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare. DMK MLA K Ramachandran has been appointed as the party's Whip in the Tamil Nadu assembly.

Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed gratitude for the new role, stating he hopes his previous work justifies his promotion. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP state president Narayanan Thirupathy criticized Udhayanidhi's appointment, questioning his maturity for the role. In response, DMK MP Kanimozhi argued that the Chief Minister, elected by the people, has the right to make such decisions without opposition interference.

(With inputs from agencies.)