'Sonrise' in DMK

Amid a growing chorus in the party for his elevation, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister and son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin (46), was elevated as the deputy CM on Saturday with additional responsibility, in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of V Senthilbalaji to the council of ministers two days after securing bail in a money laundering case.

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, which the party is keen to win and retain power in the state.

According to a Raj Bhavan release on Saturday, Chief Minister M K 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, who has produced and distributed a number of Tamil films featuring top stars including Kamal Haasan and Vijay, is also the DMK's Youth Wing chief. He has also acted as the male lead in a number of Tamil flicks, including the hit 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi.'