Chennai, May 29
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today elevated his son and local administration minister MK Stalin to the rank of Deputy Chief Minister, signalling that all hurdles for his succession to the throne had been cleared.

In an inevitable move expected since the DMK’s youth conference in December 2007, the Chief Minister said he was not able to concentrate on his official duties due to his ill health. He said that he was forced to move on a wheel chair, after the spinal surgery performed in February this year.

Stalin's elevation comes a day after elder son M K Azhagiri took oath as a Union Minister, making it clear that the DMK leader had clearly defined the spheres of succession for both his sons and ensured that they will not cross each other in their career. The announcement could not have come without the consent of Azhagiri, controlling the party machinery in southern districts and it also indicates that a smooth arrangement has been arrived at within the family.

In a brief statement, Karunanidhi said senior leader and Finance Minister K Anbazhagan had refused to take over the Chief Minister's responsibilities citing old age, it was decided to entrust Stalin with new responsibilities and that he would function as Deputy Chief Minister.

In an official communique earlier, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala announced that Stalin, in addition to his responsiblities as the local administration minister would take charge of industries, minorities welfare, public administration and social reforms, which was held by the Chief Minister till now.

Stalin's elevation comes at a favourable moment for the party, when it is in power in the Centre, state and local bodies. MDMK leader Vaiko, who challenged the succession of Karunanidhi's sons to the party, was defeated in the Parliament elections and his party's revival will take a few years time.

The AIADMK has failed to check the DMK’s string of victories in Lok Sabha elections and the DMK is in power in Delhi since 1999. The last time when AIADMK tasted victory was in 2001 Assembly elections and the party lost the next assembly elections in 2006, as well as the 2004 assembly elections.

All the adversaries of the DMK are lying low after the unexpected defeat in the Parliament elections and there can be no serious challenge to Stalin's elevation now.