Sun Sep 29 19:46:54 UTC 2024: ## Udhayanidhi Stalin to be Appointed Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu
**Chennai:** In a major cabinet reshuffle, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to appoint his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, as Deputy Chief Minister. This appointment, as widely speculated, will take place on Monday during a ceremony presided over by the Governor.
The cabinet shakeup involves the removal of three ministers – Senji Masthan, Mano Thangaraj, and Ramachandran. Their positions will be filled by four new ministers, including two fresh faces – Chehiyaan and Rajendran.
The cabinet also witnessed reshuffling of portfolios. Ponmudi, previously holding the Education portfolio, will now take over the Forest Department. Welfare Minister Meyyanathan will take charge of the Welfare Department.
Udhayanidhi, who was appointed as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports in 2022, will now assume the crucial role of Deputy Chief Minister. This comes after a period of speculation surrounding his possible promotion.
The reshuffle also saw the re-inclusion of Senthil Balaji and Nazar in the cabinet.
The decision to appoint Udhayanidhi as Deputy CM marks a significant step for the younger Stalin, who has been actively involved in politics since 2019. He first entered the political arena as the Youth Secretary for the DMK and was later elected as an MLA in 2021. His rise within the party has been swift, and this promotion signifies his increasing influence in the Tamil Nadu political landscape.
First Piper 