The ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu is reportedly considering elevating Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to the position of Deputy Chief Minister, according to sources from India Today. This potential move mirrors a historical precedent set by his father, MK Stalin, who himself rose to Deputy CM after the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, also the leader of DMK's youth wing and serves as the MLA for Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, was sworn in as a minister in the DMK cabinet in December 2022. Earlier this year, plans to appoint him as Deputy CM were initially shelved amidst controversies.
One such controversy emerged in January when Udhayanidhi made controversial remarks likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases like "malaria" and "dengue," advocating for its eradication. His comments sparked widespread condemnation and legal challenges, prompting intervention from the Supreme Court due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
Additionally, the DMK government faced severe criticism following the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in June, where at least 65 people tragically lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor in the Kallakurichi district. The incident brought renewed scrutiny and public outcry over governance and regulatory oversight concerning such incidents.
Despite these challenges, Udhayanidhi Stalin's potential elevation to Deputy Chief Minister underscores the DMK's strategic decisions amid political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. It reflects ongoing developments within the party leadership and its approach to governance, amidst both achievements and controversies that shape public perception and policy decisions in the state.
