Introduction: Recent political buzz in Tamil Nadu hints at the possibility of Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK leader and Sports Minister, stepping into the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the state. While the news remains speculative, sources within the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have shared insights, indicating that Udhayanidhi may assume this crucial position in the coming days.
Foreign Trip Paves the Way: Sources revealed to India Today that DMK chief MK Stalin is expected to embark on a foreign trip in February, potentially paving the way for Udhayanidhi Stalin to step into the role of his father’s deputy. The anticipated elevation is speculated to coincide with the DMK Youth Wing meeting scheduled in Salem on January 21, adding an air of credibility to the rumors.
Lack of Confirmation: Despite the growing speculations, DMK Organisational Secretary TKS Elangovan expressed a lack of awareness regarding Udhayanidhi’s potential appointment as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister. While acknowledging Udhayanidhi’s active participation within the party, Elangovan emphasized that the final decision rests with Chief Minister MK Stalin. He stated, “There is nothing wrong with it, as he is very active. But whether he will become Deputy Chief Minister or not will be decided only by the Chief Minister and not others.”
Udhayanidhi Dismisses Rumors: In response to the swirling rumors, Udhayanidhi himself downplayed the entire episode, categorizing it as mere ‘rumors.’ In an interview with India Today, he stated, “Only the Chief Minister has to take the decision. It is just a rumor,” indicating that no official decision has been made yet.
AIADMK’s Perspective: Reacting to the reports, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) stressed that Udhayanidhi’s potential elevation to Deputy Chief Minister cannot be dismissed as a mere rumor, asserting it as a fact. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan commented on the political landscape, suggesting that this move aligns with their previous observations of Udhayanidhi’s trajectory within the party. Sathyan emphasized that this pattern indicates a lack of democracy within the DMK, contrasting it with the AIADMK’s ethos of promoting grassroots leaders.
Conclusion: As speculations surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin’s possible elevation to Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister continue to circulate, the political landscape in the state remains dynamic. While the DMK maintains a measured stance on the matter, the AIADMK sees this development as indicative of broader trends within the party. The upcoming DMK Youth Wing meeting may provide further clarity on this intriguing political development. Stay tuned for updates as the political scenario in Tamil Nadu unfolds.
Nithin Rosh 
Nisham Ismail