New Delhi: Udhayanidhi Stalin, poised to become Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, started his political journey just over five years ago as the head of the DMK youth wing ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At 46, he gained recognition during a state-wide tour, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
His political career escalated further during the 2021 Assembly elections when he won from the safe seat of Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni in Chennai. Campaigning extensively across Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi highlighted the AIADMK-BJP government’s failures, wielding a symbolic brick at rallies to emphasise unfulfilled promises like AIIMS-Madurai.
Following the DMK’s electoral success and his father MK Stalin assuming the CM role, Udhayanidhi was appointed minister with portfolios in Welfare and Sports Development. His prominence within the party has grown, supported by DMK’s active social media coverage of his constituency visits. Transitioning towards a larger governmental role, he scaled back his film career, marking the well-received “Maamannan” as potentially his final acting endeavor, while managing one of South India’s leading film companies, the Indian Express reported.
Criticism from party
Despite his ascent, Udhayanidhi faces criticism, particularly within a party that values ideological adherence. Unlike the era when late DMK leader M Karunanidhi kept family members out of the limelight, power now concentrates firmly under Stalin’s leadership. This consolidation minimises dissent over Udhayanidhi’s recent elevation to Deputy CM, once a contested position amidst familial rivalries for Karunanidhi’s legacy.
Married to Kiruthiga, known for her interests in fashion, publication and film, Udhayanidhi navigates controversies tied to familial interests in the film industry, echoing past accusations of industry control during the 2006-11 DMK regime. His film company, Red Giant Movies, remains influential in Tamil Nadu’s cinematic landscape.
Udhayanidhi’s rise
Despite these challenges, Udhayanidhi’s political acumen is affirmed by his tenure as an elected MLA and strategic delay in assuming ministerial responsibilities. His rise reflects familial and party dynamics under Stalin’s leadership, amidst ongoing scrutiny over familial influence within the DMK government, including his brother-in-law Sabareesan’s behind-the-scenes role.
Stalin started his political journey just five years ago, spearheading the DMK youth wing ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At 46, he gained widespread recognition during a comprehensive state-wide tour, attracting large and enthusiastic crowds. His political trajectory continued to soar in the 2021 Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
