Udhayanidhi Stalin, the third generation leader of the influential M Karunanidhi family, was recently elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. As he made his way through the DMK's diamond jubilee meeting, the top leaders of the party and its alliance parties stood up in reverence, signaling their support for his swift ascent to power. However, one leader, who was sitting while everyone else was standing, seemed to only offer a half-hearted acknowledgment of Udhayanidhi's growing influence. His rise to power, despite the political experience and seniority of others, reveals the enduring power of familial dynasties in Indian politics.
In a much-awaited move, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin, has been promoted to the post of deputy chief minister in the state government. This comes after weeks of speculation about Udhayanidhi's possible elevation. The DMK government has also re-inducted Senthil Balaji, a former transport minister who was recently granted bail in a money laundering case. As part of the cabinet reshuffle, three new ministers will be inducted and three others have been dropped, according to a Raj Bhavan release.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of late DMK President M Karunanidhi, has been making waves in the political scene in Tamil Nadu with his simple yet effective messaging and use of technology to reach out to youths. His recent appointment as Deputy Chief Minister and successful campaigns against the BJP-led Centre have solidified his position in the party. Despite facing controversy over his comments on Sanatan Dharma, Udhayanidhi has managed to rally support and showcase his party's ideology against discrimination.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, a rising political figure in Tamil Nadu, used simple yet effective messaging to challenge the BJP-led Centre in the lead up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. With his '29 paisa' campaign, he targeted the government for allegedly not allocating enough funds to the state. This ultimately led to his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. Under his leadership, the DMK youth wing focused on engaging with the Dravidian spirit and utilizing technology to expand party membership. His successful 'single brick' campaign also gained him widespread praise. Despite controversies surrounding his comments on Sanatan Dharma, Udhayanidhi's natural ability to connect with people has solidified his position as a prominent leader in the political arena.
On Saturday evening, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the promotion of his son Udhayanidhi Stalin to the position of Deputy Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu. The cabinet reshuffle also saw the addition of Dr Govi Chezhiaan as the fourth Dalit minister. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing power consolidation within the ruling DMK, solidifying Udhayanidhi's growing influence within the party and the government. However, there are concerns about potential internal party tensions and the balance of power in the cabinet. Udhayanidhi's rise also comes amid national attention for his controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma's role in perpetuating the caste system.
The Supreme Court has taken notice of a plea filed by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, seeking directions to consolidate multiple FIRs and complaints filed against him for his controversial statements on 'Sanatan Dharm'. The bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has also sought responses from various state governments on the matter. The DMK leader has also been receiving threats to his life, highlighting the difficulty he will face in appearing before multiple police stations and courts.
Justice Anita Sumanth, of the Madras High Court, stated that State minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments about Sanatana Dharma were "divisive" and against Constitutional principles. The Court also said that making unverified claims about Sanatana Dharma spreads misinformation and that those in constitutional positions should only espouse principles of constitutionalism. However, the Court did not issue a writ of quo warranto to remove Stalin as minister, stating that it cannot do so unless he is disqualified under law. This came after a petition filed by the Hindu Munnani questioning Stalin's continuation in office despite his statement at a conference in Chennai, where he stated that Sanatana Dharma must be eradicated like diseases such as dengue and malaria.
In the midst of the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games 2023, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has expressed opposition to PM Modi's visit to Chennai. He stated that while his party supports the construction of a Ram temple, they are against the demolition of a mosque for its construction. Tight security arrangements have been made for Modi's arrival at the event.
Tamil Nadu Sports Development and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, stated that his party, DMK, does not support the construction of a temple on the site of a demolished mosque, referring to the upcoming Pran Pratishta program at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He emphasized that the DMK does not mix religion with politics and supports the construction of temples, but not in a place where a mosque was demolished.
Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, while addressing reporters, criticized the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, stating that the DMK is not against any religion but cannot accept that the temple was built by destroying a mosque. He also announced the upcoming DMK youth wing conference, which was postponed twice last year, and the various arrangements made for it. The conference, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin, is expected to see a huge turnout and also feature cultural programmes and eminent speakers.