Speculation is rising in Tamil Nadu regarding the potential elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin, current sports minister and son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, to the position of deputy chief minister. While several DMK leaders, including housing minister S. Muthusamy and Congress president K. Selvaperunthagai, have expressed support for Udhayanidhi's appointment, Chief Minister Stalin has stated that the 'time is not ripe' for such a decision. The speculation intensified after a slip of the tongue by Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, who mistakenly referred to Udhayanidhi as deputy CM during a public event. Despite the growing calls for Udhayanidhi's elevation, internal party resistance exists, particularly from senior leaders wary of losing influence. Political analysts suggest that Udhayanidhi’s promotion could be strategically timed to coincide with the Chief Minister's upcoming U.S. visit aimed at attracting investments. As the political landscape in Tamil Nadu prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, the potential shift in leadership within the DMK remains closely watched.