Dynasty rules, Stalin is Tamil Nadu deputy CM

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son, M K Stalin, was on Friday appointed as deputy chief minister.

Governor S S Barnala announced the appointment on Friday on the recommendation of Karunanidhi. The announcement makes it clear that Stalin, minister for rural development minister and local administration in the state government , is being readied to take over as Chief Minister.

Stalin's appointment comes immediately after his elder brother M K Azhagiri was appointed as Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister on Thursday. Dayanidhi Maran, grand-nephew of Karunanidhi, is the new Union Textiles Minister.

Stalin, who has been in politics for more than 30 years, is an MLA from the Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai. Stalin and Azhagiri have been rivals to succeed their father.

Stalin's sister Kanimozhi, who is a DMK Rajya Sabha MP, told CNN-IBN she was happy for her brothers and believed Stalin deserved being made the deputy Chief Minister.

"I am very happy for both of them. Stalin deserves it. He has worked very hard for strengthening the party. It is a very positive sign and it will energise workers,” said Kanimozhi.

Political commentator Cho Ramaswamy, editor of Tughlaq, said Stalin’s promotion was expected for more than a year. Karunanidhi couldn’t have afforded to make Stalin as deputy CM with Azhagiri remaining in Tamil Nadu.

The path was cleared when Azhagiri, who is DMK’s organisational secretary for south zone of the state, moved to New Delhi as Central minister.

Ramaswamy believed Azhagiri, Stalin and Kanimozhi would not squabble till Karunanidhi is at the helm of the party and government. “After Karunanidhi it will be a free for all--what is being managed is not a party or politics. What is being managed is a family problem,” he said.

According to a statement from the governor's office, Stalin, as deputy chief minister, will look after the departments of general administration, district revenue offices, industries, minorities welfare, social reforms, passports and special initiatives.

Hundreds of DMK cadres including legislators and MPs, converged at Stalin's residence and presented him garlands, bouquets and shawls after the announcement.