Udhayanidhi’s win to strengthen his position in DMK

Chennai: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin's electoral victory has come as a solace for DMK after a bruising defeat that saw CM M K Stalin lose his seat and the party cede power in the state.The 48 year old DMK scion's win in Chepauk–Triplicane has assumed significance far beyond his constituency as the victory was not about retaining an assembly seat.With Stalin no longer in the assembly, Udhayanidhi is likely to play the central role. There are indications he could become the leader of opposition. It may cement his position in DMK and help add legitimacy to his rapid rise in the party and govt. This would also make him a prominent voice of DMK outside the assembly too."We welcome the people's mandate. I thank the people of Chepauk-Triplicane for electing me for the second time. My wishes for the new govt to be formed," Udhayanidhi told reporters after receiving a certificate of victory on Monday.Asked about DMK's next move, Udhayanidhi said DMK president M K Stalin and general secretary Duraimurugan will meet MLAs and decide.Once a reluctant politician, more interested in films, Udhayanidhi was initiated into politics in 2019. He contested polls for the first time in 2021 in Chepauk – Triplicane and has won the second consecutive victory now. In fact, he emerged as one of the two DMK candidates to secure a win in Chennai, a region the party has considered its stronghold but where results this time reflected a churn. The other candidate who won in Chennai was minister P K Sekarbabu.Even in the 1991 Assembly, only two DMK MLAs won in Chennai. Along with former CM M Karunanidhi, Parithi Ilamvazhuthi won.Udhaya's victory is not without constraints. It comes against the backdrop of a larger political setback for DMK, tempering any immediate celebrations. Hence, the challenge before him will be twofold — consolidating his position in the party and leading its resistance against TVK and AIADMK.In many ways, this result marks the beginning of a new phase for both Udhayanidhi and DMK.
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