According to top sources in the DMK government, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu's youth welfare and sports development minister and the son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, will be promoted to Deputy Chief Minister before August 22. This promotion is similar to that of his father, M K Stalin, who was appointed Deputy Chief Minister following the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. According to reports, Udhayanidhi campaigned for the promotion in order to achieve "broader acceptance" within the administration and relieve his father of some of his responsibilities.
A Vital DMK source confirmed Udhayanidhi's promotion, which will most likely take place before CM Stalin's scheduled trip to the United States on August 22. The primary goal is to relieve the Chief Minister's workload, allowing for more efficient governance. "This move will help groom Udhayanidhi with significant responsibilities," a senior minister said, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the difficult 2026 assembly elections. Amid conflicting viewpoints on Udhayanidhi's political commitment in the state's political circles, a senior minister rejected concerns, claiming that the position was requested by Udhayanidhi himself.
If he were a reluctant politician, he would not demand a higher position. The minister stated that these rumors occur as a result of his youth and star status. The deputy CM position will also allow Udhayanidhi to take a more active role in the 2026 election campaigns. The ascension corresponds with a planned cabinet change based on ministerial performance. The reshuffle decisions have not yet been finalized, but a top DMK leader has stated that they will consider the performance of various ministers. In January 2024, CM Stalin addressed the allegations about his son's advancement, dismissing them as baseless and the "handiwork of rivals". Stalin had also highlighted Udhayanidhi's statement that all cabinet ministers, including himself, "worked as deputies to the Chief Minister."
When asked about the reaction of party veterans to the decision, two senior DMK leaders stated there would be no problem as long as important ministers were not disturbed. Problems arise only when prominent ministers' portfolios are transferred to Udhayanidhi. Otherwise, there is no problem with Udhayanidhi's promotion, according to one leader. His promotion to deputy Chief Minister, who represents Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni in the assembly, had been expected for some time but was postponed.
Udhayanidhi's promotion is not as delayed as Stalin's. Stalin had to spend a long time in the shadows before rising through the ranks of the DMK, eventually gaining a ministerial position in his late fifties. While Durga Stalin was initially determined that her son should not face a similar wait, Udhayanidhi also decided to pursue active political life, with a family consensus that he confronts potential dynastic succession difficulties now rather than later.