Tamil Nadu Politics: Udhayanidhi Stalin Becomes Deputy CM, BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan Criticizes Dynastic Politics
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 29: Reacting to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin being elevated as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan alleged that democracy was replaced with dynastic politics, adding that this would bring discomfort among senior leaders in the party.
“I am asking whether it is democracy or dynastic politics. What happened to the senior ministers? Before Udhayanidhi was born, so many ministers and leaders were involved in the growth of the party so they could celebrate the 75th year of their party. But what happened to the senior leaders. Minister Ponmudy has been demoted. And three ministers have been removed. What is the cause of the removal. Is there any corruption charge? You are not responsible for that. You are washing away your hands,” said Soundararajan.
She further asked what happened to women’s empowerment and social justice and suggested giving the Dy CM post to a Dalit MLA. She further said, “What is happening to women’s empowerment? And what about social justice? You should have given the Deputy CM post to a Dalit MLA. Even Thirumavalavan is demanding some share of power. What prevents you from giving that power? One of the women ministers has been shifted, and then no new woman has been given the opportunity. Only Udhayanidhi is competent to handle this post?”
She also hit out at DMK, asking what the hurry was to re-induct former transport minister Senthil Balaji into the cabinet after he got bail in a money laundering case. “What is the hurry in making Senthil Balaji minister immediately? You are not bothered about corruption. These are setting a very wrong precedent in Tamil Nadu politics. There will be problems among cadres and senior ministers. They have replaced democracy with dynastic politics. It is like degrading the senior ministers,” she added.
Earlier, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Udhayanidhi is currently serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. He will also take on the portfolio of Planning and Development in addition to his existing responsibilities. The announcement comes as part of a major cabinet reshuffle in the state government. The reshuffle also sees Senthil Balaji being re-inducted into the Tamil Nadu cabinet. CM Stalin has recommended inducting V Senthil Balaji, Dr Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar into the Council of Ministers.
“The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has recommended to the Governor of Tamil Nadu to allot the portfolio of planning and development to Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, in addition to his existing portfolios and be designated as Deputy Chief Minister. Further the Chief Minister has recommended to induct V Senthilbalaji, Dr. Govi. Chezhiaan, R. Rajendran and SM Nasar in the Council of Ministers,” the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan release stated.
Meanwhile, the Governor has approved the recommendations, and the swearing-in ceremony will be held on September 29 at 3.30 pm at Raj Bhavan, Chennai. “The Governor has also approved the recommendation of the Chief Minister to drop Thiru T Mano Thangaraj, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, Thiru Gingee KS Masthan, Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare; and Thiru K Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, from the Council of Ministers,” the release stated.
Earlier on September 26, Senthil Balaji walked out of Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a money laundering case linked to the cash for jobs scam. Balaji was arrested by the ED on June 14 last year and has been in judicial custody since then.
Doubts Revealed
Udhayanidhi Stalin -: Udhayanidhi Stalin is the son of MK Stalin, who is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister.
Deputy CM -: Deputy CM stands for Deputy Chief Minister. It is a high-ranking position in the state government, just below the Chief Minister.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Tamilisai Soundararajan -: Tamilisai Soundararajan is a leader from the BJP. She has criticized the appointment of Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Dynastic Politics -: Dynastic politics means when political power is passed down within a family, like from a parent to their child.
Women’s Empowerment -: Women’s empowerment means giving women more power and opportunities to make their own decisions and be equal to men.
Social Justice -: Social justice means making sure everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of their background.
Planning and Development -: Planning and Development is a department in the government that focuses on making plans for the growth and improvement of the state.
Senthil Balaji -: Senthil Balaji is a politician who has been re-inducted into the government. He recently got bail in a money laundering case.
Money Laundering -: Money laundering is a crime where people try to hide the origin of money obtained illegally, making it look like it came from a legal source.
