Udhayanidhi Stalin Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and film personality, has been elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister. This move, which had been speculated for weeks, was confirmed on Saturday as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle by the DMK-led government. Udhayanidhi, who previously held the Youth Welfare and Sports Development portfolio, will now also oversee the Planning and Development ministry.

Udhayanidhi’s promotion is viewed as part of the ruling DMK’s strategy ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, strengthening its leadership and ensuring the Stalin family’s hold on the party. A first-time MLA, Udhayanidhi played a key role in the DMK’s successful campaigns in the 2019 general elections and the 2021 Assembly elections. Most recently, he led the party’s charge in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the DMK-led alliance swept all 39 seats in the state.

Alongside this, the state government has also re-inducted former transport minister Senthil Balaji, who was recently granted bail after spending 15 months in jail on money laundering charges related to a cash-for-jobs scam. Balaji’s portfolio has not yet been confirmed.

The reshuffle also sees the exit of three ministers: T Mano Thangaraj (Milk and Dairy Development), Gingee Masthan (Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare), and K Ramachandran (Tourism). Three new ministers, Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar, will be inducted.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has approved the recommendations, and the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, 29th September, at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.

This elevation comes amid criticism from opposition parties like AIADMK and BJP, accusing the DMK of dynastic politics. However, the ruling party has dismissed these claims, pointing to Udhayanidhi’s democratic election as an MLA and emphasising the chief minister’s right to choose his cabinet.