Chennai: Udhayanidhi Stalin’s acting ventures were mostly certified ‘U’ by the Censor Board, meaning they were fit for viewing by audience of all age groups. As politician, too, the DMK youth wing chief is targeting to attract people from all walks of life and is busy devising strategies, say sources in the know.
“Though his popularity as actor is a big plus in politics, Udhayanidhi is not just relying on his cinema fame. He, with the help of his close aides, has come up with an elaborate plan to establish himself firmly in party circles and in the Tamilnadu political arena. First, he will reach out to DMK office-bearers and members, especially those from the youth wing, across Tamilnadu. Then he will go to the public. All these will be done before the 2021 Assembly elections,” sources say.
In this mission, he is being aided by his close friend and legislator Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and other top functionaries of the DMK youth wing, they say. It is learnt the DMK’s IT wing, too, is involved in promoting Udhayanidhi with the help of social media and other tools.
Sources also say Udhayanidhi will continue to act in films. His upcoming movies include Mysskin-directed Psycho, Kannai Nambathey by Mu Maran, a yet untitled Athiyamaan project and a flick with Magizh Thirumeni.
Earlier this month, Udhayanidhi, son of DMK president M K Stalin, was appointed the party’s youth wing secretary, his first post in the Dravidian outfit.
Udhayanidhi’s ascension in the party is seen as a precursor to his being given key roles in the DMK in future which is now helmed by his 66-year-old father.
Incidentally, Stalin became the party working president in 2017 after holding the youth wing secretary post for 34 years. Last year, Stalin became the party chief after the demise of his father and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.
Party functionaries hail Udhayanidhi as ‘Ilaya Thalapathi’ (young commander) and welcome his new role as a long expected and desired move which will infuse fresh energy into the party.
According to DMK deputy general secretary V P Duraisamy, the entire party is happy with Udhayanidhi’s appointment. “For any party, youth force is needed. This is a right move which has made all of us happy,” he said.
(With inputs from PTI)