MK Stalin introduced final night time that Udhayanidhi Stalin will probably be elevated as Deputy Chief Minister
Chennai:
Deputy Chief Minister is just not a place, however a duty, DMK chief Udhayanidhi Stalin stated in the present day, hours after his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin introduced his elevation to the highest publish. The 46-year-old, who was earlier state minister in control of youth welfare and sports activities growth, has additionally been handed over the planning and growth portfolio within the newest cupboard reshuffle.
In a publish on X, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated, “Realizing that ‘Deputy Chief Minister’ is just not a place however a duty… we’ll work along with our fellow Ministers underneath the steerage of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the trail paved by Father Periyar – Perarinjar Anna – Muthamizharinjar Kalainar for the upliftment of the individuals of Tamil Nadu.” “Father Periyar” refers to social activist and Tamil icon Periyar, whereas “Kalainar” refers to veteran DMK chief and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s grandfather, late M Karunanidhi.
Following the announcement, Udhayanidhi Stalin in the present day visited the memorial of M Karunanidhi in Chennai. He additionally visited Periyar’s memorial and the properties of his grandfather at Gopalapuram and CIT Colony in Chennai. In one of many pictures, his aunt and senior DMK chief Ok Kanimozhi is seen congratulating Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The BJP has slammed the DMK over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s elevation to the highest publish and stated the occasion’s historical past has been marked with “years of betrayal of the individuals and prioritising household pursuits over public welfare”. “Regardless of being a part of the alliance, DMK has denied its companions a share in energy and as an alternative appointed Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister,” a BJP spokesperson stated.
An alumnus of Loyola Faculty, Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin has labored in a number of motion pictures as an actor and producer earlier than an all-out foray into politics. He has led the DMK’s scholar wing and was among the many key faces of the occasion’s 2021 marketing campaign for the 2021 state polls wherein it scored a thumping win. He was inducted as a minister within the MK Stalin authorities in 2022.
The DMK chief made nationwide headlines final 12 months when his remarks likening Sanatana Dharma to dengue and malaria sparked an enormous row. Stressing that Sanatana Dharma is towards the thought of social justice, he stated at an occasion, “Sanatana is like malaria and dengue and so it should be eradicated and never opposed.”
The BJP claimed that the comment was a genocidal name and focused Congress which was in alliance with the DMK.
In response, Udhayanidhi Stalin had stated he by no means known as for genocide. “Sanatana Dharma is a precept that divides individuals within the title of caste and faith. Uprooting Sanatana Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by each phrase I’ve spoken. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized, who are suffering because of the Sanatana Dharma.”