Udhayanidhi sworn in as minister in Stalin’s cabinet, sparks ‘sunrise vs son-rise’ debate

DMK legislator and the party’s youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin was sworn in as a minister in father and party chief MK Stalin’s cabinet by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Wednesday (December 14).

Clad in his trademark white shirt, with a logo of DMK’s youth wing embossed on it, Udhayanidhi took the oath in Tamil, in a style that was characteristic of his father. The swearing-in ceremony which was conducted in the Raj Bhavan was over in 10 minutes. The 45-year old MLA was congratulated by state ministers and senior party leaders.

Also read: Udhayanidhi on quitting acting, working with Kamal, and dad Stalin’s film choices

Udhayanidhi’s elevation as a minister, however, triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition who rebuked the DMK for encouraging the culture of dynasty politics, or the culture of ‘son-rise’ seen in Tamil Nadu politics since the Dravidian party was founded by the late stalwart CN Annadurai.

The DMK, however, has been unapologetic about appointing sons and daughters in key posts while others are not, political commentator Sumanth C Raman told PTI.

Udhayanidhi, is hailed as the “rising sun” by DMK workers, in obvious reference to the party’s Rising Sun symbol.

TRB Raaja, a three time legislator from Mannargudi constituency and son of Lok Sabha MP T R Baalu tweeted: “the power to drive away the darkness is possible only by the sun. Chinnavar (junior) Udhayanidhi Stalin will shine as a new sun in the Tamil Nadu government.” Raaja, also DMK’s IT wing chief wished him to do wonders as a minister.

“Udhayanidhi’s down to earth and friendly approach would help in extending his helping hand to the hidden sports talents of Tamil Nadu in the possible role as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development,” Raaja said and exuded confidence this would be the golden era for sports in the state.

Also read | Hour of ‘Chinnavar’: Stalin’s heir apparent Udhayanidhi joins TN Cabinet on Wed

Not just the younger crop of DMK leaders, but seniors like TKS Elangovan also welcomed the elevation of the 45 year-old youth wing leader of the party, one of the two children of the Stalin-Durga couple.

“Udhayanidhi has the support of senior leaders. He has earned the mass appeal by working hard in his Chepauk-Triplicane constituency,” Elangovan told PTI.

Others like Higher Education minister K Ponmudy have also been backing Udhayanidhi’s inclusion in the cabinet for long.

Stalin has lied to people, says Opposition

However, the opposition is not amused with the move and the AIADMK and BJP dubbed it as the “new age dynasty politics and rise of a son once again in DMK.” AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Satyan remarked “the prince charming is being made a cabinet minister and in future he will be sworn as a king.”

Citing the campaign video that is going viral regarding Stalin’s promise of keeping his family away from such posts, Satyan said “Stalin has lied to people. People who worked for the party are languishing in the streets and the way party is functioning is undemocratic.”

He also claimed the young DMK leader will become deputy chief minister before the 2024 Parliament election and be the DMK’s CM candidate in the 2026 Assembly polls. BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupaty also sought to recall Stalin’s earlier promise.

“What did Stalin say when he was in opposition. He said his family members won’t come into politics or acquire power. ..dynasty politics is not good for a democracy.”

Responding, Elangovan said “there is no point in calling it dynastic politics as if this decision was thrust upon the cadres and people. Udhayanidhi is firm in Dravidian ideology.”

Political commentator and Sumanth C Raman said, “DMK has never been apologetic about its dynasty politics.” “However, other parties remain silent about it and act as if they are not dynastic. I don’t think calling out DMK as a dynasty party and accusing Udhayanidhi will make a negative impact for DMK. It depends on how he conducts himself without undermining senior ministers.”

Senior journalist RK Radhakrishnan feels Udhayanidhi joining the Stalin-led cabinet “is going to be a problem for DMK.” “Nobody in Tamil Nadu appreciates family politics, this would be a setback to them in the upcoming parliamentary election in 2024,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)