“Whether it is democracy or dynastic politics”: Tamilisai Soundararajan on Udhayanidhi’s elevation as TN Dy CM

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 29 (ANI): 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 dynactic 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.