The ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu is reportedly considering the elevation of Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to the position of Deputy Chief Minister, as per sources from India Today. This potential move mirrors the trajectory of his father, MK Stalin, who assumed the role of Deputy CM following the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, also the leader of DMK's youth wing and MLA from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, was inducted as a minister into the DMK cabinet in December 2022. However, sources indicate that plans to appoint him as Deputy CM earlier this year were deferred twice due to controversies surrounding him and the DMK.
In January, plans to elevate Udhayanidhi Stalin were shelved amidst backlash over his comments on Sanatana Dharma, where he likened it to "malaria" and "dengue" and advocated for its eradication. His remarks stirred widespread condemnation, prompting multiple complaints and even intervention from the Supreme Court.
Later in the year, the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy further delayed his potential promotion. The incident, which occurred in June, resulted in the deaths of at least 65 individuals due to consumption of illicit liquor in the Kallakurichi district. The DMK government faced severe criticism for the incident, raising questions about governance and public safety measures.
Despite these setbacks, Udhayanidhi Stalin's political career has been closely watched within the DMK, given his familial ties and leadership role within the party's youth wing. His elevation to Deputy Chief Minister, if realized, would mark a significant milestone in his political journey, aligning with the party's strategies and ambitions under the leadership of MK Stalin.
