Who Said That?: Udhayanidhi Stalin On Reports Of His Elevation As Deputy CM

Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has firmly denied rumors of his elevation to the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters, Udhayanidhi clarified that any decision regarding the cabinet rests solely with his father, Chief Minister MK Stalin. He urged the media not to jump to conclusions about his political future.

When asked about the possibility of becoming Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi responded, "Who said that? The Chief Minister will make the decision, and you don't need to. All ministers stand with the CM, and it's entirely his right to decide on such matters."

Earlier, speculations started doing rounds that the DMK will formally announce his elevation on Wednesday.

Udhayanidhi has previously played down similar speculations. Speaking in July, he remarked, "I've always said that the post of youth wing secretary is my favorite. All our ministers are effectively Deputy Chief Ministers."

Meanwhile, the opposition AIADMK has predicted internal conflict within the DMK should Udhayanidhi be promoted. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan commented, "The elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy CM will mark the end of DMK. By the 2026 assembly elections, the party is expected to split, with senior members likely to revolt."

Sathyan also referenced MK Stalin's earlier promises, noting that the Chief Minister had once stated that neither his son nor son-in-law would enter politics at this time. "Yet, Udhayanidhi was given an MLA ticket, then made a minister, and now there's talk of him becoming Deputy CM-all with the intention of making him the party's face for the 2026 elections," Sathyan added.