DMK party treasurer MK Stalin (61) was elected as the Leader of Opposition for the Tamil Nadu assembly on Tuesday by the party following its recent defeat at the hands of arch-rival AIADMK.
This comes a day after CM J Jayalalithaa assumed office on Monday following a landmark victory in the recently concluded elections with her party winning 134 seats of the 234-seat assembly.
According to political observers in the state, this is a big promotion for Stalin, who has played second fiddle to his father and party supremo M Karunanidhi, till now. Even, prior to the elections Karunanidhi had projected himself as the chief ministerial candidate if DMK came to power.
Saravanan, spokesperson for DMK on Tuesday while making the announcement said it is a huge chance for him to grow and his appointment as leader was welcomed by all.
“This has come as a good move for the party. Both the old guard and young within the party cadre were happy with his appointment,” Saravanan added.
Monday’s move to attend Jayalalithaa’s swearing-in ceremony has also been appreciated by all and sundry.
Sources in the party are confident that the party will come back stronger than ever with Stalin at the helm.
According to party insiders, Stalin's fervent campaigning and his appeal among youth voters was reportedly instrumental in ensuring the party won 89 seats despite the lack of ‘money power’.
Senior leader and former minister Duraimurugan has been named as the deputy LoP.