Tamil Nadu cabinet reshuffle sees Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy CM, Balaji returns, ministers dropped, and portfolios changed.

DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu on9 expressed joy after Udhayanidhi Stalin was elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on9. While addressing the media, she said that the appointment would help the party in the 2026 Assembly polls.

In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

According to a Raj Bhavan release, CM Stalin "recommended to the Governor of Tamil Nadu (Ravi) to allot the portfolio of Planning and Development to Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, in addition to his existing portfolios and be designated as Deputy Chief Minister".

Udhayanidhi Stalin, known for his film career, has rapidly ascended in Tamil Nadu politics. From his impactful '29 paisa' campaign to his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi has employed effective messaging to benefit the DMK party.

Udhayanidhi's elevation to the post of Deputy Chief Minister had been widely anticipated. Before this appointment, he served as the state’s sports minister and will now also oversee the planning and development portfolio.

High-profile DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, who was days ago granted bail by the Supreme Court in a money laundering case, was sworn in as minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi here on Sunday.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, took oath on Sunday as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ruling DMK's rank and file had been seeking 46 year-old Udhayanidhi's promotion with an eye on the 2026 Assembly polls in the state,