Udhayanidhi Stalin Becomes Tamil Nadu Deputy CM and Awards Women Empowerment Groups

On September 30, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the newly-elected Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, participated in a women's empowerment program organized by the Women's Development Corporation, Rural Development, and Panchayats department. During the event, he presented the state-level 'Mani Megalai' awards to the best-performing self-help groups (SHGs) in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu.

Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke about the government's efforts for women's welfare and criticized the opposition AIADMK. He stated, "Rs 93 crore have been allotted and given for women welfare, we have given more funds than the last 10 years of AIADMK regime, we have given these funds in this 3 years of our regime. During the AIADMK regime, they stopped the Manimegala awards but now after the Dravidian Model government came to power, we have started it again and awards are being given for women's welfare."

He added, "More than other states in India, we are more forward in women's welfare and empowerment."

This event marked Udhayanidhi Stalin's first program after assuming the post of Deputy CM on September 28, following a major cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle also saw Senthil Balaji being re-inducted into the Tamil Nadu cabinet. Chief Minister MK Stalin recommended the induction of V Senthil Balaji, Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran, and SM Nasar into the Council of Ministers.

The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan release stated, "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 S.M.Nasar in the Council of Ministers."