On Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) expressed their disapproval of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Udhayanidhi, who also serves as the state’s Sports Minister, has been assigned additional responsibilities, including the portfolio of Planning and Development.
BJP’s Reaction
The BJP seized the opportunity to criticise Udhayanidhi’s elevation, framing it within a narrative of dynastic politics. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala remarked, “Udhayanidhi Stalin will become deputy chief minister, that means one more son will rise in Tamil Nadu politics. First Karunanidhi, then Stalin, and after him, Udhayanidhi. This is the case with the entire INDI alliance. There are only two pillars of the INDI alliance: one is family and the other is corruption.” This comment underscores the BJP’s continued focus on family legacies in regional politics, aiming to connect Udhayanidhi’s rise to a broader theme of dynastic politics within the DMK.
AIADMK’s Perspective
Similarly, the AIADMK voiced its concerns over Udhayanidhi’s new role. Party leader Kovai Sathyan stated that Udhayanidhi’s elevation marks “the end of DMK” in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. He further claimed, “This clearly exposes how big a liar Chief Minister MK Stalin is,” indicating a strong belief within the AIADMK that this decision could have significant political repercussions.
Background to Udhayanidhi’s Elevation
Udhayanidhi’s elevation to Deputy Chief Minister had been speculated since January, but various factors led to delays in the announcement. These included political backlash against Udhayanidhi over his remarks on ‘Sanathana Dharma,’ which forced even leaders within the INDIA bloc to distance themselves from him. The Lok Sabha elections and the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 66 lives, further postponed his appointment.
According to sources within the DMK, Udhayanidhi’s elevation was planned for August, but the party decided to wait until the release of Senthil Balaji, who had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had previously deflected questions about Udhayanidhi’s elevation, changed his tone following Balaji’s release, affirming that “there will be changes in the Cabinet, but there will be no disappointment.”
Conclusion
The criticisms from the BJP and AIADMK highlight ongoing tensions in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, particularly as the state approaches the 2026 Assembly elections. Udhayanidhi’s new role as Deputy Chief Minister adds a layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics, with both opposition parties framing the move as detrimental to the DMK’s future prospects.