Stalin son Udhayanidhi appointed deputy CM of Tamil Nadu amid cabinet reshuffle

This decision, announced by Raj Bhavan, marks an important moment in the ongoing leadership consolidation within the ruling DMK.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place on September 29 at Raj Bhavan, Chennai, solidifying Udhayanidhi’s growing influence within the party and the government.

Udhayanidhi, a first-time MLA representing Chepauk, was previously serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. The fact that he was set to become Deputy CM was reported by The Indian Express on July 18. The Express had reported that Udhayanidhi himself had demanded for the promotion to gain “larger acceptance” within the government and to ease some of the administrative burden on his father.

The elevation, which was originally planned before Stalin’s trip to the United States in August last week, was delayed for a variety of factors. The DMK leadership felt the time was finally ripe, days after the party celebrated its 75th year Diamond Jubilee in Chennai, to make the formal announcement.

The reshuffle also reintroduces Senthil Balaji, who had been released from prison by the Supreme Court two days ago, into the state cabinet with the portfolios he held before his resignation over the arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a job scam and money laundering case. Balaji being reinstated into the cabinet is seen as a significant strategic adjustment within the party. A top party leader said Balaji will be given the complete responsibility of Western Tamil Nadu districts.

One of the most notable developments in the cabinet reshuffle is the inclusion of Dr Govi Chezhiaan, who takes over the Higher Education portfolio. The Stalin cabinet has a total of four Dalit ministers now, a step toward broader representation within the DMK-led administration. His entry into the cabinet comes at a time when the ruling party seeks to consolidate its base and project an inclusive leadership as the state heads toward upcoming elections.

Nevertheless, the reshuffle comes with potential internal party tensions. There were concerns about how Udhayanidhi’s promotion might affect the balance of power within the party and the cabinet. “There will not be any issue as long as powerful ministers are not disturbed,” one party veteran told The Indian Express in July. The consensus within the party leadership appears to be that Udhayanidhi’s rise will not be met with resistance, provided key ministers retain their portfolios, thus minimising factional challenges.

Udhayanidhi’s ascendance to deputy CM also comes as he continues to attract national attention. Earlier this year, he sparked controversy with his remarks about Sanatana Dharma at a conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association. Comparing Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue, Udhayanidhi argued that it should be eradicated, as it perpetuates the caste system and opposes the idea of social justice.

The comments triggered sharp backlash from the BJP, accusing that his words were a call for the genocide of Hindus. Multiple cases were filed against the DMK scion in various states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bihar. In June, the Supreme Court criticised Udhayanidhi for the remarks, cautioning that he could not claim the same impunity as the media.