Tamil Nadu’s newest Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was sworn-in on Wednesday, said his priority was to make Tamil Nadu a sports capital.
Mr. Udhayanidhi, who is DMK’s youth wing leader and MLA, Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency said he had plans for sports development, but would assume office first, and then reveal his plans.
“I have an idea about converting Tamil Nadu into a sports destination. We have also promised in our election manifesto that there would be mini stadiums in every Assembly constituency. I have to speed up work to fulfil this promise. We will encourage all sportspersons and expand sports activities,” he said.
‘Mamannan was last film’
Mr. Udhayanidhi, who was a film producer and distributor and later took to acting, made it clear that ‘Mamannan,’ directed by Mari Selvaraj, was his last film. “I was supposed to act in a movie to be produced by Kamal Haasan. When I told him about my decision [not to act in it], he blessed me,” he said.
Asked whether it was a big moment for him and his family, Mr. Udhayanidhi said it was actually a huge responsibility. “I had a huge responsibility as the youth wing leader of the party as well. I will try to fulfil my responsibilities,” he said.
To a question about the charge of the DMK promoting dynastic politics, he said: “There was criticism even when I was appointed as the secretary of the youth wing and later became an MLA. Even then I said it was inevitable. Certainly, there will be criticism now. I will respond to it only through my performance. I will fulfil my responsibilities with the support of the Chief Minister, officials, party leaders and cadre,” he added.
Published - December 14, 2022 02:43 pm IST
