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After Udhayanidhi Stalin was elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its ally parties on Sunday extended their congratulations to him.
Udhayanidhi was appointed Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. Previously, he held the position of Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. In addition to his existing responsibilities, he will now take on the portfolio of Planning and Development. Commenting on the development, DMK MP M M Abdulla said, "It has been our long-standing wish, and we are very happy. He deserves to be elevated to the post of Deputy CM. He will attract more youth and first-time voters." DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu said that it is a "very happy" moment for everyone in the party. "It is a very happy situation for all of us. We now have young blood to lead us into the 100th-year celebrations. He has already proved himself by his work during the elections. This will not only help us in the 2026 assembly elections but also as we move towards the 100th anniversary of the party," she said. Congress leader K. Selvaperunthagai also welcomed Udhayanidhi Stalin's elevation to Deputy Chief Minister. "Many leaders in the BJP also have their sons and daughters serving as MLAs and MPs," he said. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Founder-President Thol. Thirumavalavan likewise expressed his support for Udhayanidhi's promotion. "He will carry out his duties under the guidance of our Chief Minister. He is a capable individual, and he has performed well in his previous portfolio. We welcome his elevation to the role of Deputy CM," Thirumavalavan said. Chennai Mayor Priya Rajan added that the party is both excited and optimistic about the future. "This will greatly benefit us in the 2026 assembly elections," she remarked. In a related development earlier today, DMK leader V Senthil Balaji was sworn in as a minister in Chief Minister MK Stalin's Tamil Nadu government, along with three other MLAs, as part of a major cabinet reshuffle. Along with Balaji, DMK MLAs Govi Chezhian, R. Rajendran, and SM Nasar were administered the oath of office by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. According to an official statement, Senthil Balaji will manage Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition & Excise. Govi Chezhian has been appointed Minister for Higher Education, R. Rajendran as Minister for Tourism, and SM Nasar as Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare. DMK MLA K Ramachandran has been designated as the party's Whip in the Tamil Nadu assembly. Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed on Sunday that he hopes his prior work justifies his promotion to Deputy CM. "Last night, the Chief Minister entrusted me with additional responsibilities, appointing me as Deputy Chief Minister. Four new ministers are taking the oath today, and I wish them all the best. I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister. This is not merely a position, but an added responsibility. My thanks go to everyone who has sent their good wishes," he said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP state president Narayanan Thirupathy criticised the recent cabinet reshuffle and Udhayanidhi Stalin's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. In a self-recorded video, the BJP leader argued that Udhayanidhi Stalin lacks the "maturity" necessary to hold a ministerial post, let alone that of Deputy CM. "Appointing ministers or deputy chief ministers is the Chief Minister's prerogative, and we do not deny that. He has every right to do so. But Udhayanidhi Stalin does not possess enough maturity to become not only the Deputy Chief Minister but even a minister. A person who becomes a minister, degrading and demeaning others, saying he will eradicate Sanatan Dharma without apologising, cannot hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister," Thirupathy said. Responding to the criticism, DMK MP Kanimozhi stated that opposition parties should not question CM Stalin's decision, as he was elected by the people. "It is the Chief Minister who has been voted in to make these decisions, so I do not think opposition parties have the right to challenge or question his choices regarding cabinet appointments," she said. (ANI)
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