Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will take oath as Deputy Chief Minister during a reshuffle of the cabinet on Sunday. Udhayanidhi, who already handles the portfolio of Minister for Sports Development and Youth Affairs, is now the third Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his father M K Stalin, and AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam. He is the third-generation leader from the DMK’s first family to serve at a high-ranking level in the state government, after the political legacy of his grandfather, M. Karunanidhi, and father, M.K. Stalin.

Early Life Of Udhayanidhi Stalin

Udhayanidhi Stalin began his career in the Tamil film industry as a film producer and then became an actor. Entering the world of cinema with his production house, Red Giant Movies, he went on to produce quite successful movies like Kuruvi in 2008, Aadhavan in 2009, Manmadan Ambu in 2010, and 7aum Arivu in 2011. With the romantic comedy Oru Kal Oru Kannadi in 2012, which became viral in real life, he began to act as well as take to producing, soon becoming one of the leading luminaries of Tamil cinema. However, in 2023, Udhayanidhi decided to leave acting and focus more on his political career.

Political Career And Personality
The son of Stalin, who happens to be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin went into politics by becoming the president of the Youth Wing of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Being a vital and integral member of the ruling party of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi campaigned for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 and campaigned throughout Tamil Nadu and won many citizens and volunteers to support the DMK. He came into the limelight during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when he managed to handle the party’s campaign and reached out to grassroots cadres. He has also helped the DMK cement its strong presence in the state through his leadership skills and organisational acumen.

Controversies and Challenges
Although Udhayanidhi Stalin’s political life has been without turbulence, there have been some controversies surrounding him. In September 2023, he triggered a nationwide outcry by saying at the conference of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on the theme of ‘Eradication of Sanatana.’ Udhayanidhi said Sanatana Dharma had to be eradicated as it opposed social justice and equality. His comment attracted calls for legal action along with criticisms from all political leaders. The criticism for his remarks came even from as far as the Madras High Court and consequent multiple FIRs against him threw up an investigation by the Supreme Court of India.

A Political Legacy Continues
Current bearers appoints Him Deputy Chief Minister Appointment as deputy chief minister has been a landmark in the political career of Udhayanidhi Stalin. With him, it is the third generation of the DMK first family, who would hold any prominent government post, though technically less so than others. He carries on the political legacy of his grandfather, the late M Karunanidhi, and his father M.K. Stalin. With a “good grip” over the leadership of the DMK and strong connections among party cadres, Udhayanidhi would be ready to take up a very pivotal role in Tamil Nadu’s politics.