Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, born on March 1, 1953, is a prominent Indian politician currently serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu since 2021. He assumed office after the tenure of Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Stalin is affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party and has been its president since August 28, 2018. Prior to his current role, he served as the Mayor of Chennai from 1996 to 2002 and as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, he has held various positions within the DMK party, including the roles of Working President, Treasurer, Deputy General Secretary, and Youth Wing Secretary. Throughout his political career, Stalin has played a significant role in Tamil Nadu’s governance and has been recognized as one of India’s most powerful personalities.
Stalin, the third son of M. Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu’s 2nd Chief Minister and DMK Chief, was born to his mother, Dayalu Ammal, on March 1, 1953, in Madras, now known as Chennai. His father named him after Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, inspired by an event where Joseph Stalin passed away just days after Stalin’s birth.
Stalin attended Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School and pursued a pre-university course at Vivekananda College. He later earned a history degree from Presidency College, Chennai, affiliated with the University of Madras in 1973. In 2009, Anna University conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate.
He tied the knot with Durga (also known as Shantha) on August 20, 1975, and together they have two children. His son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, is an actor and politician, married to Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, a renowned Indian Tamil film director. His daughter, Senthamarai Sabareesan, is an entrepreneur and educator, serving as the director of Sunshine Schools, Chennai. She is married to Sabareesan Vedamurthy, an entrepreneur and political strategist.
Similar to his father, Stalin has openly declared himself as an atheist while also expressing respect for various religious beliefs.
During his tenure as Mayor of Chennai, M.K. Stalin significantly improved the performance of high school students, raising the pass percentage from 55% to 72%. Moreover, he transformed the perception of Corporation schools in Chennai, enhancing their reputation and quality of education.
Stalin’s initiatives in urban infrastructure included the construction of nine flyovers and forty-nine small bridges, aimed at alleviating road traffic congestion in the city. These projects, totaling Rs. 99.42 crores, contributed to smoother traffic flow and enhanced connectivity for residents.
Additionally, Stalin effectively managed the Hogenakkal Water Plan, securing financial assistance from Japan to implement the project successfully. His strategic handling of this initiative ensured access to clean water for the people of Chennai, addressing a critical need for the city’s residents.
The M. K. Stalin ministry constitutes the cabinet of ministers led by M. K. Stalin, formed after the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. Following the swearing-in on May 7, 2021, M. K. Stalin became the 21st Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The cabinet comprises various ministers from the DMK party, with portfolios ranging from public administration to rural development and urban planning. Notable members include Durai Murugan, K. N. Nehru, and Thangam Thennarasu, overseeing key sectors like irrigation projects, municipal administration, and finance.
The cabinet reshuffles on March 29, 2022, December 14, 2022, May 11, 2023, and June 16, 2023, resulted in adjustments to ministerial portfolios. Udhayanidhi Stalin, I. Periyasamy, and S. Muthusamy among others were added or reassigned responsibilities during these reshuffles. Additionally, district-wise distribution of ministers highlights representation from across Tamil Nadu. The ministry’s focus encompasses diverse sectors, aiming to address the state’s developmental challenges and improve governance. As of December 21, 2023, the ministry continues its efforts towards fulfilling electoral promises and fostering inclusive growth in Tamil Nadu.
Stalin’s political journey began in his early teens when he established the DMK Gopalapuram Youth Wing with friends. At the age of 14, he actively campaigned for his uncle, Murasoli Maran, during the 1967 elections. By 1973, Stalin was elected to the General Committee of the DMK. However, he gained widespread attention when he was imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for protesting against the Emergency in 1976. Despite facing adversity, Stalin continued his political activism and was elected as the Secretary of the DMK Youth Wing in 1982, a position he held for over four decades.
Stalin’s electoral journey has seen both victories and defeats. Initially unsuccessful in his attempts to secure a seat in the Thousand Lights constituency, he eventually emerged victorious in 1989. Despite setbacks, Stalin persisted and was re-elected multiple times, showcasing his resilience and dedication to public service. His shift to the Kolathur constituency in 2011 marked a significant change in his political career trajectory.
Stalin’s tenure as the Mayor of Chennai from 1996 demonstrated his commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and addressing civic issues. Under his leadership, initiatives like “Singara Chennai” aimed to enhance the city’s aesthetics and functionality. His efforts in modernizing garbage disposal systems, constructing flyovers, and upgrading public amenities earned him the title of “Managara Thanthai” (father of the city).
Following the DMK’s victory in the 2006 Assembly Elections, Stalin assumed the role of Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration in the Tamil Nadu government. During his tenure, he focused on empowering women through self-help groups and spearheading comprehensive development projects across the state.
Stalin’s ascent to the position of Chief Minister in 2021 marked a new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Leading the Secular Progressive Alliance to a resounding victory, he assumed office amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His proactive approach to governance, evidenced by initiatives like “Ondrinaivom Vaa” and “Ungal Thoguthiyil Mudhalamaichar,” demonstrated his commitment to serving the people of Tamil Nadu.
Stalin’s tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by a slew of innovative schemes aimed at addressing various socio-economic challenges. From healthcare initiatives like “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” to educational programs like “Illam Thedi Kalvi,” his administration has prioritized the well-being and development of Tamil Nadu’s citizens. Additionally, his focus on environmental conservation, as evidenced by initiatives like the “Green Tamil Nadu Mission,” underscores his commitment to sustainable development.
2021: M.K. Stalin contested and won the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency. He led the DMK to victory in the assembly elections and was elected as the party leader in the legislative assembly.
2018: Following the passing of Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, Stalin was elected President of the DMK by the party’s General Council.
2017: Stalin was appointed as the Working President of the DMK by the General Council.
2016: Stalin was re-elected as an MLA from the Kolathur constituency in Chennai and became the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, leading the most significant opposition party in the assembly’s history.
2011: After four consecutive victories from the Thousand Lights constituency, Stalin shifted to the Kolathur constituency in Chennai and won the MLA seat.
2009: Stalin was promoted to Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, becoming the state’s first Deputy Chief Minister.
2008: He was elected as the Treasurer of the DMK by the party’s General Council.
2006: Re-elected as an MLA from the Thousand Lights constituency, Stalin was appointed as the Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development.
2003: Stalin was chosen as the Deputy General Secretary of the DMK by the General Council.
2001: He was re-elected as the Mayor of Chennai and also won the MLA seat from the Thousand Lights constituency for the third time.
1996: Stalin was elected as the first directly elected Mayor of Chennai and re-elected as an MLA from the Thousand Lights constituency.
1991: Stalin lost the state assembly elections from the Thousand Lights constituency.
1989: He made his debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, winning the MLA seat from the Thousand Lights constituency against AIADMK’s Thambidurai.
1984: Appointed as the Youth Wing Secretary of the DMK, Stalin contested the assembly elections from the Thousand Lights constituency but lost.
1973: Stalin was elected to the General Committee of the DMK.
1967: Stalin’s political career began at the age of 14 when he campaigned for the DMK in the 1967 elections.
Stalin’s leadership continues to shape Tamil Nadu’s trajectory, with initiatives like “Naan Mudhalvan” and “Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme” poised to make a lasting impact on the state’s socio-economic landscape. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, Stalin remains steadfast in his commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive Tamil Nadu.
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