New Delhi, September 30: Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal congratulated DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday following his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In a post on X, the former Delhi CM wished Udhayanidhi "continued success" in his journey serving the people. "Congratulations to Udhay Stalin on being appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Wishing you continued success in your journey to serve the people and lead the state towards progress," Kejriwal said in the post.

Udhayanidhi was appointed Deputy Chief Minister during an event held on September 29 at Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan. Previously, he held the position of Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. He did not take oath at the event because he was already a cabinet minister. Udhayanidhi will be handling the portfolio of planning and development in addition to his existing responsibilities. Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle: CM MK Stalin Chooses His Team, Elevates Son Udhayanidhi Stalin to Deputy CM Ahead of Assembly Elections 2026 (See Pics).

During the event, DMK leaders V Senthil Balaji, Govi Chezhian, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar were administered the oath of office by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Senthil Balaji will be serving as the Minister of Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy Development, Prohibition & Excise. Govi Chezihaan has been inducted as Minister for Higher Education, R Rajendran as Minister for Tourism, and SM Nasar as Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare.

The ruling DMK invited criticism following the announcement of Udhayanidhi's appointment as Deputy CM. The BJP criticised the move, saying that the INDIA bloc parties follow a "son-rise model" by only making their sons or daughters get in positions of power to serve their family interests. Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy alleged that Udhayanidhi does not have the "maturity" to hold the post of a minister, let alone be the Deputy CM. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Rise From Silver Screen Star to Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, All You Need To Know About MK Stalin’s Son Who Rose Through DMK Ranks.

BJP national spokesperson Shezad Poonawala said it has been proven that parties like DMK are not political parties but instead private limited family run companies. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that within the DMK, there is no merit except being the Chief Minister's son.

DMK MP Kanimozhi defended the CM's decision on Udhayanidhi's elevation and said that the opposition parties should not question the CM Stalin's decision as he has been voted to power. DMK allies in Tamil Nadu also welcomed the move, saying that this will greatly benefit the party in the 2026 assembly elections.

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