The BJP has lashed out at DMK and Tamil Nadu's new deputy chief minister Udayanidhi Stalin, stating the latter had no merit except being the Chief Minister's son. The backlash comes as Chief Minister M K Stalin announced Udayanidhi's elevation to the No.: 2 position on Saturday.
The BJP weaponised the appointment as nepotism, stating the DMK prioritised family interest over public welfare. BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad said: "The party's 75-year history has been marked by betrayal of Tamil Nadu interests, prioritising family interests over public welfare."
Stalin is the son of DMK stalwart M K Karunanidhi. His brothers M K Azhagiri and sister Kanimozhi are also active in politics. Udayanidhi is the only son of Stalin.
The BJP accused the DMK of denying its partners a share in power and instead appointed Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy chief minister. The party also hit out at Stalin's decision to reinstate Senthil Balaji, a senior leader who was released on bail recently in money laundering charges.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also raised the nepotism charge, stating Udhayanidhi had no merit other than being the Chief Minister's son.
"M K Stalin promoted and made his son Udhayanidhi Stalin the Dy CM. There is no merit except being the CM's son... All of them are only focused on family interests, not the interests of the country," he said adding that while Modi called on youngsters without any experience or family background in politics to enter politics, the DMK and INDIA bloc were focused on looting.
However, Udayanidhi himself has responded to the criticisms, stating he was taking all criticisms and will do his best for Tamil Nadu. "It's a big responsibility. The chief minister nd the Council of Ministers trusted me. There will be criticism and I have always listened to it. I'll try my best to do my best for the people of Tamil Nadu," he said.
DMK MP Kanimozhi too supported her brother Stalin's decision, stating it is the Chief Minister who has been voted to make that decision. "He has made the decision. I don't think the opposition parties can make that decision or question the CM's decision regarding the cabinet," she told reporters on Sunday.