Udhayanidhi Stalin’s journey has been as visible as it has been steady: From cinema screens to the centre of Tamil Nadu’s power structure. Once known as an actor and film producer, Udhayanidhi is now the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, and a key face of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
“I have walked into a space shaped by legacy, but I am here to prove my own ground,” is how his transition can best be read. The son of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the grandson of M. Karunanidhi, Udhayanidhi entered active politics in 2019 as Youth Wing Secretary. What followed was a rapid climb.
He played a visible role in the DMK’s 2019 Lok Sabha success and the 2021 Assembly victory, travelling across all 234 constituencies and building a grassroots connect. His campaign style leaned on direct conversations rather than slogans. “I am not only here to speak to people, I am here to listen,” is a line that captures that approach.
In 2021, he made his electoral debut from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, winning by over 60,000 votes. Five years later, he returns to the same seat, but with higher stakes — now as Deputy Chief Minister, a post he assumed in September 2024 after serving as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports.
In the run-up to the 2026 Assembly polls, Udhayanidhi has framed the contest sharply: “This is a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.”
For Udhayanidhi, the shift is complete. From screen presence to political centre stage, he is no longer just an heir — he is now a central player in Tamil Nadu politics.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly with the support of 144 MLAs.
The Tamil Nadu government faces political turbulence as Chief Minister Vijay appoints a personal astrologer as an Officer on Special Duty, drawing criticism over administrative credentials. Ahead of a crucial assembly floor test, thirty rebel AIADMK MLAs led by S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugham have pledged support to the TVK-led government, officially severing ties with the BJP. During the session, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his controversial stance on Sanatana Dharma. Administratively, the state announced the closure of seven hundred liquor shops near schools and temples, alongside new bans on political hoardings and the creation of women's safety task forces. In Kerala, a leadership struggle for the Chief Minister post has emerged between K.C. Venugopal and V.D. Satheesan following the UDF election victory. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a POCSO case was filed against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath. The broadcast also confirmed the return of actor Mohanlal for the third installment of the Drishyam film franchise.
The new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has initiated an outreach to opposition leaders on his first day in office, ahead of a floor test in the state assembly. The Chief Minister visited the residences of the former Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other political rivals to exchange greetings. This gesture marks a departure from the traditional political rivalries in the state. Meanwhile, the assembly session witnessed a split within the AIADMK, with two separate factions arriving independently for the oath-taking ceremony. A majority of the party's legislators are reportedly backing a new legislative party head, demanding the current general secretary step down. In other news, the Prime Minister has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid purchasing gold for a year to save foreign exchange amid the escalating war in West Asia. Additionally, suspense continues over the selection of the new Chief Minister in neighbouring Kerala.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Karaikudi rally witnessed massive chaos after he attempted to cycle through a surging crowd, resulting in his speech being cancelled.
Hours before the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh threat to Iran stating 'a whole civilisation will die tonight'.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed strong confidence in the DMK's electoral prospects. Speaking about the upcoming elections, he stated, 'I'm very confident that this time people will definitely again elect our leader as the Chief Minister again.'
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin filed his nomination from Kolathur constituency, a seat he has held for three consecutive elections since 2011.
A 37-year-old man named Suraj from Maharashtra died during a Tamilar Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Salem, Tamil Nadu, sparking a political row.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) projected a victory of 210 seats for the AIADMK-led alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Speaking at the India Today Tamil Nadu Roundtable, Felix Gerald, Spokesperson, TVK, Kovai Sathyan, Spokesperson, AIADMK, Salem Dharanidharan, Spokesperson, DMK, Vinoj P Selvam, Spokesperson, BJP, share their perspective on this and more.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin exuded confidence that the DMK would return to power, asserting that the party would form its “own government” and make “even greater inroads” than in 2021. Speaking at the India Today Round Table, Stalin launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA, calling it not a “double engine” but a “dabba engine,” or an empty vessel. “The so-called double engine is an empty vessel. It is not a double engine, but a dabba engine,” he said. Framing the polls as another battle in the Aryan-Dravidian divide, Stalin accused the NDA of spreading “falsehoods, hate and communal tension.” He alleged attempts to polarise minorities and said Tamil Nadu would deliver a “great disappointment” to the alliance. He also highlighted the state’s 11.19% growth rate under the “Dravidian Model.” He emphasized that the state leads nationally in education and health metrics, with 98.3% of government schools equipped with science labs. Stalin discussed various welfare initiatives, including the monthly 1,000 rupee assistance for women and the breakfast scheme for school children. Addressing political alliances, he confirmed that the DMK-Congress partnership remains robust for the upcoming elections. The Chief Minister also touched upon his personal life, sharing his fitness routine and his history as an off-spin bowler, while reiterating his commitment to hard work as taught by his father, M. Karunanidhi.
On this India Today special report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the escalating war of words between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. The report highlights a significant claim made by TVK leader Nirmal Kumar, who stated, 'Chennai has transformed from a DMK stronghold into a TVK bastion over the past three years.' The TVK leadership suggests that the DMK's long-standing dominance in the state capital is fading due to a growing support base among the urban youth and suburban voters for TVK chief Vijay. The discussion further explores the possibility of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin or Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin being forced to seek safer constituencies in future elections. While Chennai has historically been a DMK fortress, the emergence of TVK as a political challenger marks a potential shift in the state's political dynamics ahead of the upcoming polls.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row in Tamil Nadu over language and alliances. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that 'Hindi has swallowed many mother tongues' and accused the Centre of using the National Education Policy to impose the language. He further claimed that cultural identities are being eroded as regional languages lose influence. In response, Union Minister L. Murugan and BJP leaders slammed the DMK for practicing divisive politics, questioning their alliance with the Congress. Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin alleged that the AIADMK's return to the NDA was a result of blackmail by the BJP. The AIADMK dismissed these claims, asserting that the DMK is rattled ahead of the 2026 elections and predicting the end of the Stalin family's political career. The programme examines the sharp accusations exchanged between the ruling DMK and the opposition as the electoral battle intensifies.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying political confrontation between the BJP and the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Union Minister L. Murugan has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, accusing them of promoting separatist sentiments. Murugan stated, 'In Tamil Nadu, the Udai Nidhi Stalin and the Stalin family always talk about the separate nation, separate country, separate state, and language.' He further contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote Tamil culture through initiatives like the Kasi Tamil Sangamam. The transcript also highlights Udhayanidhi Stalin’s counter-allegations against the Centre, where he accused the Modi government of 'grave mismanagement' during the COVID-19 pandemic and criticized the alleged imposition of Hindi in the state. This report explores the escalating 'Aryan vs Dravidian' narrative and the sharp ideological divide ahead of the upcoming polls.
On this Special Report, India Today's Apoorva Jayachandran discusses the intensifying political war of words in Tamil Nadu. The report focuses on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent remarks where he reconfirmed his stance against the AIADMK. Apoorva Jayachandran notes that Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed the AIADMK leadership consists of 'leaders and puppets who have been coerced into joining into this alliance with the NDA' by central agencies like the CBI, ED, and IT. The discussion highlights how this 'slave' narrative mirrors recent comments made by TVK chief Vijay and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who previously referred to the opposition as 'Amit Shah Munnetra Kazhagam'. The programme explores how the DMK continues to target the AIADMK-BJP relationship, alleging that the opposition is operating under pressure rather than political conviction. Apoorva Jayachandran provides context on how these specific tags are being used to frame the political discourse ahead of upcoming electoral challenges in the state.
On this India Today news bulletin, the focus is on the escalating political war of words in Tamil Nadu. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a scathing attack on the AIADMK and BJP alliance, stating, 'slaves and fascists have joined forces once again' to attempt the imposition of Hindi through the three-language policy. Stalin asserted that the DMK would not allow the National Education Policy (NEP) to be implemented in the state. In response, BJP spokesperson Narayan Tirupati accused the DMK of using Hindi imposition as a seasonal election plank while ignoring their own alliance with the Congress, which previously supported Hindi. AIADMK's Kovai Sathyan dismissed Stalin’s remarks, labeling the DMK a 'dynasty munnetra kalagam' and suggesting the 'slave' terminology reflects the desperation of the ruling family. The debate highlights how language politics and the NEP remain central to the electoral narrative in Tamil Nadu as parties gear up for the upcoming polls.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) firms up its strategy for the 2026 assembly elections. BJP's Tamil Nadu-in-charge Piyush Goyal met with AIADMK General Secretary E. Palaniswami to solidify their partnership, stating, 'I am confident that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the centre, and Thiru Palanisamiji in Tamil Nadu, the NDA alliance will completely throw out the DMK government.' The report highlights the expansion of the NDA footprint with TTV Dinakaran's entry and the potential realignment of O. Panneerselvam. Goyal also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on Sanatan Dharma, labelling them as hate speech. Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin plans an Assembly Resolution against the G. Ramji Act ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega rally scheduled for Friday, which is expected to officially ignite the election campaign in the state.
Anchor Nagarjun Dwarakanath reports on the Karnataka Assembly session where Governor Thavarachand Gehlot faced heckling from Congress legislators. The Governor reportedly substituted the state cabinet's prepared speech with his own remarks. Congress members allege the Governor violated constitutional provisions and exited before the National Anthem concluded. The BJP claims the Governor was targeted due to his Dalit background. In Tamil Nadu, Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin following court observations regarding hate speech. The AIADMK staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, citing rising chicken prices and the suppression of opposition voices. The report details the expansion of the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu to include the PMK and AMMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Additionally, the bulletin covers the environmental crisis in Tirupur caused by illegal waste dumping in quarries and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s invitation to the CPM in Kerala to join the NDA for state funding.
On this Special Report, Union Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal confirms that Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) will be the Chief Ministerial face of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. Speaking in Chennai, Goyal stated, 'I am confident that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji at the centre and Thiru Palanisamy ji in Tamil Nadu, the NDA alliance will completely throw out the DMK government.' Goyal launched a scathing attack on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, demanding his immediate removal from office following High Court strictures regarding his remarks on Sanatana Dharma. The Minister described the DMK administration as 'corrupt, incompetent, and compromised,' alleging it has failed the youth, farmers, and women of the state. The report also highlights the strengthening of the NDA fold with the inclusion of TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK and the PMK, as the alliance prepares for Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Madurai.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying political landscape in Tamil Nadu as Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. During the meeting, Goyal conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly elected BJP President Nitin Naveen. Piyush Goyal stated, 'the NDA Alliance will completely throw out the DMK government, the corrupt, incompetent, compromised and anti-development government of DMK.' He further criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin for alleged anti-national comments and hate speech, demanding his immediate removal from the state cabinet following recent High Court strictures. The leaders discussed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to Tamil Nadu, where a massive public meeting is expected to draw five lakh people. The AIADMK-BJP alliance aims to restore Tamil pride and transform the state's infrastructure and governance, positioning themselves as the primary alternative to the current DMK administration ahead of the upcoming polls.
