Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Swearing-in Ceremony Today

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has been appointed as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister following a significant cabinet reshuffle on Saturday.

Udhayanidhi, who currently serves as the Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, has also been given the additional portfolio of Planning and Development alongside his new role as Deputy Chief Minister.

The Raj Bhavan issued a statement confirming the reshuffle.

Udhayanidhi expressed gratitude towards his father for the new opportunity.

நம் பெருமைமிகு தமிழ்நாட்டின் துணை முதலமைச்சராக பணியாற்றுவதற்கான வாய்ப்பை நமக்கு அளித்த கழகத்தலைவர் – மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்களை, பொதுச்செயலாளர் – பொருளாளர் மற்றும் மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர்களுடன் நேரில் சந்தித்து வாழ்த்து பெற்றோம்.

‘துணை முதலமைச்சர்’ என்பது பதவியல்ல,… pic.twitter.com/x7InLzXoNc

— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 28, 2024

In addition to Udhayanidhi’s elevation, DMK leader Senthil Balaji, recently granted bail in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam, has been re-inducted into the cabinet. Balaji, an MLA from Karur, was accused of involvement in the scam during his tenure as Tamil Nadu’s Transport Minister between 2011 and 2016.

Other new additions to the cabinet include Dr. Govi Chezhiaan, R. Rajendran and S.M. Nasar.

Changes in portfolios include the transfer of the Higher Education department from K. Ponmudy to newcomer Chezhian, while Rajakannappan has been moved to Dairy Development. Three ministers, including Manc Thangaraj, have been dropped from the cabinet.

The reshuffle follows Chief Minister Stalin’s earlier indication of Udhayanidhi’s potential elevation. Governor R.N. Ravi has approved the changes, and the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, at 3:30 PM at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.