TN Dy CM Udhayanidhi: Will respond to criticism through my work
Responding to the criticism about his elevation as deputy CM, Udhayanidhi said that he will respond to all the criticism through his work
Reacting to his elevation as Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said that this is not just a position but a big responsibility and he hopes to fulfil it.
The deputy CM who had visited his grandfather M Karunanidhi’s memorial in Chennai ahead of his swearing in ceremony at Raj Bhavan on Sunday told reporters, “Last night, the chief minister gave me an additional charge, announcing me as the deputy chief minister. Four new ministers are taking oath and I wish them all the best. I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister. This is not just a position it is an additional responsibility and I hope to fulfil it."
The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately condemned the recent cabinet reshuffle in Tamil Nadu (TN) pointing out that Udhayanidhi lacked “maturity”. The TN BJP state president Narayanan Thirupathy in a self-made video said that Udhayanidhi lacked the "maturity" to hold the post of a minister, let alone that of a deputy chief minister.
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"A person becomes a minister, degrading, demeaning saying that he will eradicate sanatan dharma, you don’t apologise to that. How can he become the deputy chief minister," he asked.
'Respond through work'
Meanwhile, the 46-year-old DMK scion, who began his political career just five years ago in 2019, said that he will respond to the criticism through his work.
"Of course there is criticism," said Udhayanidhi, adding that he will try his best to take in all the criticism and work "my best for the public". "I accept all your criticisms and will respond to them through my work,” he added.
Udhayanidhi, who was serving as minister for youth welfare and sports development, has been pushed up the ranks by his father and TN chief minister MK Stalin. Udhyanidhi will also take on the portfolio of planning and development now.
Also read: Why Stalin was forced to push Udhayanidhi up the ranks as deputy CM
Kanimozhi defends elevation
DMK leader Kanimozhi also defended Udhyanidhi’s elevation as deputy CM pointing out that the CM has been voted to power to make that decision and no one can question his choice.
“I don’t think Opposition parties can make that decision or question the CM’s decision about any office regarding the cabinet,” she said. This cabinet reshuffle has come just after Stalin returned from a 10-day US trip.