DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed Deputy CM, Opposition Calls It Dynastic Power Play

In a significant political development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has officially appointed his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, as his heir apparent by making him the Deputy Chief Minister. This elevation had been widely anticipated, as Stalin had dropped several hints, and there was growing demand within the DMK for Udhayanidhi's promotion. Accepting his new role, Udhayanidhi acknowledged the move as an added responsibility. However, the opposition has sharply criticized the decision, labeling it as a dynastic stunt aimed at keeping the Stalin family in control of the DMK. Narayanan Thirupathy, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu BJP, was among those who mocked the move, calling it a strategy to consolidate family power. Adding to the controversy, scam-tainted minister Senthil Balaji has also been reinducted into the cabinet after securing bail from the Supreme Court, which cited delays in his money laundering case trial. Balaji's return is seen as another point of contention in the reshuffled cabinet. While Udhayanidhi's promotion is being celebrated within the DMK, the move is likely to reignite the ongoing debate over dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu.