Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Hints at Cabinet Reshuffle Amid US Trip for Investment Drive

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 28th August. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle following his return from a crucial US trip aimed at attracting investments to the state. Speculation is rife that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader may elevate his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, to the position of Deputy Chief Minister, along with introducing new faces and removing some sitting ministers.

When asked by reporters about potential changes in the council of ministers, Stalin cryptically remarked, “Only change is unchanging. Wait and see.”

Udhayanidhi Stalin, currently serving as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare and handling the important portfolio of special programme implementation, is seen as a key figure in the DMK’s future leadership. His possible elevation is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s second-rung leadership, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, where actor Vijay is expected to play a significant political role.

Udhayanidhi played a critical role in the DMK’s successful campaigns in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the 2021 assembly elections, and this year’s Lok Sabha election, which the party swept in Tamil Nadu. This performance has fueled expectations of his reward with a more prominent position in the state government.

To prevent internal discord, the DMK has already elevated several senior leaders’ children to key positions as MLAs, ministers, and MPs, including TRB Rajaa, Thangam Thennarasu, Tamilachi Thangapandian, Kathir Anand, Kalanidhi Veerasamy, MK Kanimozhi, and Dayanidhi Maran.

CM Stalin is currently on a 17-day US tour, with his first stop in Silicon Valley, where he is set to meet potential investors, including CEOs of global Fortune 500 companies. The tour is part of his broader vision to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1 trillion economy by 2030, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, research and development, and global capacity centers.

Speaking to NDTV, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa expressed optimism about the outcome of the US trip, stating, “Tamil Nadu is poised for significant growth, and we expect a lot of good news from the US on investments. The Chief Minister will ensure that the state gets the best. You’d be excited about the outcome.”

This marks Stalin’s fourth overseas trip as Chief Minister to attract investments. The Tamil Nadu government claims that these visits and other initiatives have secured investment commitments worth ₹9.3 lakh crore over the past three years, expected to generate 31 lakh direct and indirect jobs.