Kejriwal Congratulates Udhayanidhi Stalin on Becoming Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Amid BJP Criticism

Arvind Kejriwal congratulates DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin on his new role as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The appointment faced criticism from BJP, calling it a 'son-rise model.' DMK leaders welcomed the move, highlighting potential election benefits.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal extended his congratulations to DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday, following his elevation to Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In a post on X, Kejriwal wished Udhayanidhi 'continued success' in serving the people.

'Congratulations to Udhay Stalin on being appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Wishing you continued success in your journey to serve the people and lead the state towards progress,' Kejriwal's post read. Udhayanidhi's appointment was formalized during an event held on September 29 at Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan. Previously, he was the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, and did not take an oath because he was already a cabinet minister.

Udhayanidhi will now oversee planning and development in addition to his existing duties. At the event, DMK leaders V Senthil Balaji, Govi Chezhian, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar were sworn into office by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Senthil Balaji takes on the role of Minister of Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition & Excise.

Govi Chezhian has been appointed Minister for Higher Education, R Rajendran as Minister for Tourism, and SM Nasar as Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare. The ruling DMK faced criticism after Udhayanidhi's new role was announced, with the BJP accusing the INDIA bloc parties of following a 'son-rise model' where only the family members are elevated to positions of power.

Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy questioned Udhayanidhi's maturity to hold the post. Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Shezad Poonawala called DMK a 'private limited family-run company,' and spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari noted that merit within DMK is limited to being the Chief Minister's son. In defense, DMK MP Kanimozhi said the Chief Minister's decision should not be questioned as he holds the public's mandate. DMK allies in Tamil Nadu supported the move, seeing it as beneficial for the 2026 assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)