Udhayanidhi Stalin. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Udhayanidhi Stalin at the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai on August 5, 2026
| Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan

Tamil Nadu Minister for Energy Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar. File
| Photo Credit: J. Johan Sathyadas

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is mulling cancellation of certain infrastructure projects,  including the Global Sports City plan, beachfront development, and waterfront restoration plans, as it grapples with outstanding liabilities of roughly ₹3,500 crore.

The liabilities are mainly due to the construction work, land acquisition amounting to ₹1,500 crore, and the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam, which constitutes ₹1,000 crore.

This proposal to cancel the projects will take shape only after the State government takes a call, according to a source.

“Whichever project has not yet been taken up, CMDA is in the process of cancelling it. Once the proposal [for cancellation] is approved [by the State], the CMDA will formally announce the cancellations,” the source said.

The Global Sports City project, for which former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had laid the foundation stone in February 2026, will be handed over to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, the source added.

It was planned across a 127-acre site near Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology at an estimated cost of ₹261 crore. This project took shape in November 2024, after the then Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin held a meeting with officials of various departments, including Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, Water Resources Department, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, and CMDA.

Among other projects proposed to be dropped are beach-front development works, covering the stretches from Marina to Besant Nagar, Elliot’s Beach to Neelankarai, Neelankarai to Akkarai, Akkarai to Kanathur and Kanathur to Kovalam, including Marina Beach, Broken Bridge, Elliot’s Beach, Thiruvanmiyur, Neelankarai, Akkarai, Uthandi, Muttukadu, and Kovalam.

Marina corridor

Notably, in April 2025, the CMDA unveiled the ₹18.45-crore Marina Heritage Corridor Development Project, as part of this, spanning 2.5-km from Lighthouse to Island Grounds, with plans for heritage-style bus stops, viewing decks, cycle tracks, police booths and improved pedestrian infrastructure, to enhance the Marina promenade, while preserving its historic character.

In 2024, the CMDA prepared detailed project reports for the rejuvenation of 10 lakes across the Chennai Metropolitan Area with an estimated ₹100-crore State allocation. The proposed works include lakefront promenades, walking tracks, viewing decks, ecological restoration, wetland restoration, bird-watching areas, and recreational facilities at Velachery, Retteri, Mudichur, Puzhal, Adambakkam, Sembakkam, Perumbakkam, Kolathur, Madambakkam, and Ayanambakkam lakes, according to the CMDA.

“The CMDA does not have funds to go ahead with these projects. The authority is not the custodian [of the waterbodies]. The waterbodies belong either to the WRD or the respective local body,” the source said.

The operation and maintenance of completed projects, including the M.S. Swaminathan Wetland Eco Park at Porur and the air-conditioned bus stand at Retteri Junction, Kolathur, will be handed over to the Greater Chennai Corporation, and that is the model to be followed for the other finished or nearly finished works by CMDA, the source added.

“CMDA took up a lot of works without realising the financial burden.  CMDA has outstanding liabilities of around ₹3,500 crore and cannot take up new works in the present financial position,” the source said.

Further, the Authority is exploring alternative funding options, including external borrowings for future projects. “Typically, planning authorities in cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad receive government support. CMDA will also require similar support,” the source said. Local bodies have other revenue generation modules such as ticketing few projects, municipal bonds etc., but that is not the same for CMDA, the source added.

Land pooling projects

The proposed land pooling schemes at Thirumazhisai and Madambakkam have also been delayed. According to the source, the Madambakkam scheme is pending owing to litigation challenging the Land Pooling Act, while the Thirumazhisai project is facing financial constraints.

Under the model, 60% of the developed land is returned to landowners, while CMDA retains 40% for roads, parks, open space reservation, water supply infrastructure, and commercial development, the source added.

Published – July 09, 2026 05:00 am IST

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. File.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Udhayanidhi Stalin. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday (February 19, 2025) launched the distribution of cheques to the tune ₹3.75 crore to support 750 former prisoners taking up entrepreneurship.

Mr. Udhayanidhi handed over the cheques to former prisoners during an event organised in Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai by Tamil Nadu Discharged Prisoners Aid Society under the Prisons Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM recalled the initiatives undertaken by the DMK government for the betterment of prisons and towards the welfare of prisoners. “The government doesn’t consider prisons as places of punishment but as institutions for rehabilitation.”

Observing that some individuals might have received punishment over offences committed in a fit of rage or over various circumstances, Mr. Udhayanidhi said: “Let bygones by bygones. We should think that the coming days should be better.”

The Deputy CM called upon former prisoners to make use of the aid being distributed to them and make a future for themselves, keeping in mind only the interests and welfare of their family, friends, and relatives. “You should make use of this financial aid in the right way. Our government would stand by you in every way.”

Ministers S. Regupathy and P.K. Sekarbabu; Chennai Mayor R. Priya; Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar; Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal; Director-General of Prisons and Correctional Services Maheshwar Dayal; and senior officials were also present.

Chennai:

The battle between Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and the BJP – over the centre’s three-language policy and the ‘imposition of Hindi’ – ramped up Tuesday after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said “states that accept Hindi lose their mother tongue” and that his state is ready for a ‘language war’.

Mr Stalin also doubled down on Chief Minister MK Stalin’s “blackmail” swipe at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, pointing out the state is only demanding its due, both in terms of central government funds for education and money due from devolution of taxes.

The Tamil leaders’ counterattacks followed Mr Pradhan declaring the state would not receive around Rs 2,400 crore in funds for the ongoing Samagra Siksha mission, unless it adopts the National Education policy in its entirety.

Tamil Nadu has historically had a ‘two-language’ policy, i.e., it teaches Tamil and English, and witnessed massive anti-Hindi agitations in the 1930s and 1960s.

‘Only Asking For Our Money’

“We are only asking for our tax money and our rights. We are asking for money that is rightfully ours… Dharmendra Pradhan openly threatened us that funds would be released only if we accept the three-language formula. But we are not asking for your father’s money… we aren’t begging.”

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “I have come here to protest against the Union Government to save the education and language of our state. I have not participated as a Dy CM; I have participated as a DMK youth wing cadre. In the Union budget 2025, UP and… pic.twitter.com/A5Ib3bSPTy

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

“We are asking for our due share. And if you (the BJP) think you can threaten us… it will never happen in Tamil Nadu,” Mr Stalin said at a DMK-led protest rally in Chennai. “The people of Tamil Nadu are watching. They will give a fitting reply at the appropriate time.”

Mr Stalin also reminded the BJP “this is a Dravidian land… the land of Periyar” and said, “The last time you tried to take away the rights of the Tamil people, they started ‘GoBackModi’. If you try again… this time the voice will be ‘Get out, Modi’… agitation will be done to send you back.”

#WATCH | Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “…We are not playing divisive politics. The Union Government, BJP is trying to force Hindi on us…Please don’t impose 3-language policy.” pic.twitter.com/k42k1KFO1X

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025

The Deputy Chief Minister also warned the Tamil people against the three-language formula or accepting Hindi, saying, “Dharmendra Pradhan asks, ‘why is Tamil Nadu alone opposing this while all other states have accepted?’ There is a reason… several states that accepted Hindi stand to lose their mother tongues… Bhojpuri, Bihari, Haryanvi have nearly died because of infiltration by Hindi.”

‘Certain Conditions To Be Met’

The three-language policy is a long-standing flashpoint between southern states and the centre, and that animosity has increased since a new Education Policy was announced five years ago; as part of a proposed revamp, under the NEP students must learn three languages, one of which will be Hindi.

That flashpoint seemed evident in Mr Pradhan’s comments in Varanasi last week. He accused the Tamil Nadu government of not imposing the policy “because of political interests” and said the centre is “committed” to the policy, to which “… there are certain conditions to be met”.

However, amid Tamil Nadu fury over Mr Pradhan’s comment, his colleague, junior Parliamentary Affairs Minister L Murugan, who is from the southern state, said the Education Minister had attached no conditions to grants from the centre, and slammed the DMK for politicising this issue.

BJP’s 3-Language Campaign

The BJP, meanwhile, has stepped up its three-language push in the state, which will vote in an Assembly election next year. The saffron party will launch a campaign from March 1.

READ | BJP To Launch Campaign On 3-Language Policy In Tamil Nadu

The BJP’s push has been seen as part of its ongoing scramble for a foothold in the Tamil Nadu political landscape. The party has historically never managed to win over Tamil voters.

In 2016 it contested all 234 seats but won zero. It set its sights lower in 2021, contesting just 20, but managing to win four. Its Lok Sabha poll record is worse – zero seats in the 2019 and 2024 polls.

Ahead of the campaign launch and the 2026 election, the party’s state unit chief, K Annamalai, has also hit out at the DMK, accusing it of sticking to an “outdated” policy from the 1960s.

“The world is developing rapidly. And what is the point of imposing your outdated policy of the 1960s on the children of Tamil Nadu?” he said

With input from agencies

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Chennai:

Talks within the party had been going on for at least three months. Seniors in the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) had initially been annoyed that the first-time MLA and son of Chief Minister MK Stalin – Udhayanidhi Stalin – had been given a ministerial berth just a few months after winning the safe Chepauk seat in 2021.

But egos were massaged and tempers calmed by Mr Stalin’s men in backroom talks with miffed seniors. Once everyone was onboard, Mr Stalin announced a cabinet reshuffle, elevating his son Udhayanidhi as the Deputy Chief Minister.

“I have been a minister and I view this as an additional responsibility. I welcome all criticism,” said Udhayanidhi Stalin outside the DMK party headquarters on Sunday.

DMK leaders told NDTV Profit on condition of anonymity that this elevation was to groom the young leader into taking over as Chief Minister when the time came. It is well known that MK Stalin is not in the prime of health. A clear succession has therefore been chalked out well in advance.

But all is not well within the DMK. Some are resigned to the dynastic leadership, while others are angry.

The seniormost leader within the ruling DMK party, Duraimurugan, 86, walked out of a press meet in Vellore in a huff barely a week ago. Reporters had questioned him as to whether Udhayanidhi Stalin would become the Deputy Chief Minister.

While Duraimurugan is the most vocal among senior leaders, others have put on a brave face and outwardly expressed support. Many leaders feel that the glass ceiling has been hit for the third generation in a row, from Mr Karunanidhi to Mr Stalin and now Udhayanidhi. The party, they feel, has become entirely dynastic in nature, and merit holds no value.

This is perhaps the biggest battle Udhayanidhi will face in the years to come – how to keep the flock together when they know they will never make it to the top.

A Controversial Deputy Chief Minister

Udhayanidhi is viewed by many party members as having been born with a silver spoon and lacking in political and administrative experience.

An actor and producer who literally controls the Tamil entertainment industry along with the stranglehold of the Marans. Udhayanidhi was associated with the production firm Red Giant but ostensibly resigned from the company once he became an MLA in 2021.

It is an open secret in Kollywood that the DMK first family controls the narrative and the funding in the Tamil film industry, second only to Bollywood.

Udhayanidhi’s repeated comments on wanting to eradicate Sanatana Dharma earned him the ire of believers and the BJP ahead of the elections. He refused to back down. The Supreme Court bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta had even observed – “You abuse your right under Article 19(1)(a) (of the Constitution). You abuse your right under Article 25. Now you are exercising your right under Article 32 (to file plea in the Supreme Court)? Do you not know the consequences of what you said? You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences.” This was in March.

Another party senior, TR Baalu had publicly rebuked Udhayanidhi back then. “He is not afraid of his father or of anyone. He speaks anything he feels like, thinking that he can manage it later. But I caution him to remember that it is his duty to make sure that the object he holds in his hand should not fall down and break. The entire country is scared of the DMK Youth Wing Head, wondering what he will do next,” said Baalu.

Those senior leaders who tended to criticise Udhayanidhi have been put firmly in their place. Leaked audio conversations of then Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan accusing Udhayanidhi and Mr Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan of corruption led to the former investment banker being shunted out to the IT Ministry in May 2023.

On the other hand, loyalists of Udhay have been given promotions. TRB Raaja took over the important portfolio of Industries. He is viewed as being close to the DMK scion. Similarly, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, a long-time friend of Udhay was made Minister for School Education. Another Udhay loyalist, Hasan Mohammed Jinnah, was made the State Public Prosecutor and the Director of Prosecution to the Tamil Nadu government.

Young Blood, Fresh Ideas

Udhayanidhi’s faction though believes that he will breathe new life into governance. The DMK has to fulfil promises made in its manifesto. Jobs must be created, industry must come to the state and the many welfare schemes need financial support.

It is believed that the elevation of Udhay would provide a fillip to this. It is hoped that he will bring new ideas to the table and cut red tape across the board.

What he could would need to figure out first though, is how to get much-needed funds from the Centre. Developing a rapport with an ideologically opposed party in power at the Centre is no mean feat. Mr Stalin, for all his bombast, has managed to keep a practical line to the Centre intact.

Udhay will be need to be groomed to take this forward and develop strong albeit backdoor relations with the BJP.

As for dealing with troublesome angry seniors, he could take a leaf out of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s book.

In August, Rajinikanth, at a book launch event said, in the presence of Chief Minister Stalin – “It is astounding how Chief Minister MK Stalin handles senior students. It is easy for teachers to handle new students. But old students are difficult. Here we have not old students or failed students, but rank holders who refuse to leave the class. DMK leader Karunanidhi has nurtured them since they were young. It is not easy to manage them. Durai Murugan was one tough person for Karunanidhi to handle,” he said, as the audience and the chief minister erupted in laughter.

A furious Duraimurugan retorted that senior actors without teeth continue to act and deny roles to younger actors.

The point though was made loud and clear. And while it may not have been in Mr Stalin’s voice, his mirth said it all.

The DMK has its next leader. It is now up to him to learn the ropes and deliver.

Chennai:

Deputy Chief Minister is not a position, but a responsibility, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said today, hours after his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced his elevation to the top post. The 46-year-old, who was earlier state minister in charge of youth welfare and sports development, has also been handed over the planning and development portfolio in the latest cabinet reshuffle.

In a post on X, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Realizing that ‘Deputy Chief Minister’ is not a position but a responsibility… we will work together with our fellow Ministers under the guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the path paved by Father Periyar – Perarinjar Anna – Muthamizharinjar Kalainar for the upliftment of the people of Tamil Nadu.” “Father Periyar” refers to social activist and Tamil icon Periyar, while “Kalainar” refers to veteran DMK leader and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s grandfather, late M Karunanidhi.

Following the announcement, Udhayanidhi Stalin today visited the memorial of M Karunanidhi in Chennai. He also visited Periyar’s memorial and the homes of his grandfather at Gopalapuram and CIT Colony in Chennai. In one of the photographs, his aunt and senior DMK leader K Kanimozhi is seen congratulating Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The BJP has slammed the DMK over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s elevation to the top post and said the party’s history has been marked with “years of betrayal of the people and prioritising family interests over public welfare”. “Despite being part of the alliance, DMK has denied its partners a share in power and instead appointed Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister,” a BJP spokesperson said.

An alumnus of Loyola College, Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin has worked in several movies as an actor and producer before an all-out foray into politics. He has led the DMK’s student wing and was among the key faces of the party’s 2021 campaign for the 2021 state polls in which it scored a thumping win. He was inducted as a minister in the MK Stalin government in 2022.

The DMK leader made national headlines last year when his remarks likening Sanatana Dharma to dengue and malaria sparked a massive row. Stressing that Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice, he said at an event, “Sanatana is like malaria and dengue and so it must be eradicated and not opposed.”

The BJP claimed that the remark was a genocidal call and targeted Congress which was in alliance with the DMK.

In response, Udhayanidhi Stalin had said he never called for genocide. “Sanatana Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatana Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatana Dharma.”

Chennai:

Proving twin speculations true in one go, the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has elevated Sports Minister and Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, to the post of deputy chief minister and re-inducted former transport minister Senthil Balaji, two days after he got bail in a money laundering case.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, whose elevation has been spoken about for weeks, has been given charge of the Planning and Development ministry in addition to his existing Youth Welfare and Sports Development portfolio and has been designated the deputy chief minister of the state. 

It is not yet clear what portfolio will be given to Mr Balaji, who had been behind bars for 15 months after being accused of money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate for his involvement in the alleged cash-for-jobs scam that occurred during the AIADMK regime under late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He was released on bail on Thursday by the Supreme Court, which said “stringent and higher threshold of bail and delay in prosecution cannot go together”.

As part of the cabinet reshuffle announced on Saturday, T Mano Thangaraj, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, Gingee Masthan, Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare and K  Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, have been dropped and three new faces, Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran and SM Nasar, will be inducted.

A Raj Bhavan release said Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has approved the chief minister’s recommendations and the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 3.30 pm on Sunday.