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Journalism of Courage
Tamil Nadu’s Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, addressing the 45th annual foundation day of the DMK youth wing, has responded to growing speculation about his potential elevation to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, saying, “I would never forget the post of secretary of the youth wing. No matter how big the responsibilities that come to me are, the secretary of the DMK youth wing is a position close to my heart.”
“When friends in the media asked me about the speculations, I told them that all the ministers and office bearers of the party and youth wing are functioning as deputies to the Chief Minister,” said Udhayanidhi, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Reacting to a resolution adopted during the conference, where youth wing leaders expressed their desire for his promotion to Deputy CM, Udhayanidhi said, “Seeing all reports, it seems you also have come to the conclusion and are thinking of even reserving a seat of Deputy CM. Our Chief Minister and party leader has always considered the secretary of the youth wing post close to his heart even while comparing it to other higher positions. I would also never forget this post even if I am elevated to other positions,” he said.
Later, when pressed by reporters about his possible elevation to Deputy CM, Udhayanidhi kept his stance ambiguous, saying, “That decision has to come from the Chief Minister.”
Udhayanidhi’s speech comes two days after The Indian Express reported about his likely elevation before August 22. This move aims to reduce the workload on Chief Minister Stalin and to groom Udhayanidhi for a significant political role ahead of the 2026 state assembly polls.
The calculated ambiguity from Udhayanidhi hints at a strategic move within the DMK, balancing respect for party traditions with the preparation for future leadership challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi reminded youth leaders of significant tasks ahead. “What is important is the next Assembly polls in 2026. We have to win the election in the same manner we won the Lok Sabha polls and the byelection to the Vikravandi Assembly constituency. Let us seek votes by explaining the achievements of the DMK government led by our leader,” he said.
He highlighted the crucial support the DMK enjoys among women voters, attributing it to the welfare schemes implemented under CM Stalin’s leadership.
He also urged youth wing leaders to effectively handle social media to counteract the “lies of the BJP”. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu six times. But I said clearly that his party would not win even if he came to Tamil Nadu a thousand times.”
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