Chennai, July 4: Udhayanidhi, actor and son of DMK chief MK Stalin, has been appointed as the head of the party's youth wing. The appointment was approved on Thursday, days after incumbent DMK youth wing secretary Vellakoil Saminathan submitted his resignation citing "personal reasons".

The DMK youth wing chief post was held by Stalin for nearly 35 years. The designation, now awarded to his heir, would allow him to consolidate his position in the party, claim political experts. Supreme Court's Snub to Tamil Language Disappointing, Says MK Stalin

Unlike Stalin, who competed with brother Alagiri at every stage of ascension within the party ranks, Udhayanidhi didn't face much opposition to lead the party since the decks were cleared for the 42-year-old, a DMK leader was reported as saying on the condition of anonymity.

Another DMK insider asserted that Udhaynidhi's appointment should not be viewed as a case of nepotism. Though he joined active politics two years ago, he proved his leadership mettle by drawing huge crowds during general elections campaign across the state, the party leader claimed.

The party also aims to rope in the youth with Udaynidhi's appointment, as his stint in Tamil cinema made him popular among a significant section of state's young populace.

The DMK has often been accused by rival parties, primarily the AIADMK, of turning the outfit into a "family enterprise". The allegations were levelled ever since Karunanidhi appointed sons Stalin and Alagiri and daughter Kanimozhi to key posts.

In 2014, Alagiri was dismissed from the party following a bitter tussle with Stalin on who would succeed their ageing father.

Following Karunanidhi's death last year, the party unanimously decided to appoint Stalin as the DMK president. Apprehensions raised by Alagiri were brushed aside as the party collectively rallied behind his younger brother.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2019 04:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).