Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin’s sudden hospitalisation due to “mild giddiness” has not only raised concerns about his health but also sparked chatter about the party’s future power dynamics. Stalin, who took nearly a decade to sideline his brother M.K. Alagiri and ascend to the top of DMK, is now at the centre of a quiet succession battle. While his son Udhayanidhi Stalin is seen as the natural heir, political observers are watching if others like Kanimozhi or even son-in-law Sabareesan might stake a claim. A looming power struggle could shape DMK’s course in the coming years.
M.K. Stalin Hospitalised; Sparks Political Speculation
On Monday, July 21, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai after experiencing mild giddiness during his morning walk. A medical bulletin confirmed that the 72-year-old leader is undergoing diagnostic tests and evaluations.
Dr Anil BG, Director of Medical Services at Apollo Hospitals, stated, “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin had mild giddiness during his routine morning walk. He has been admitted to Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, for evaluation of his symptoms. Necessary diagnostic tests are being carried out.”
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Stalin’s wife Durga, daughter Senthamarai, and several senior ministers visited the hospital. Ministers Duraimurugan and Ma Subramanian reassured the public about his stable condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan, reached out with wishes for his recovery.
Kanimozhi’s Influence and the Karunanidhi Legacy
One cannot dismiss Kanimozhi, Karunanidhi’s daughter and a two-time Lok Sabha MP. She remains a prominent and respected leader within the party. As a key figure representing DMK at the national level, her support base within the party runs deep, especially among old guard Karunanidhi loyalists.
A generational shift favouring Udhayanidhi could alienate this section, potentially triggering realignments within the party. Some believe that if Kanimozhi senses marginalisation, she could position herself as a credible alternative to Udhay, which might even lead to a subtle internal rift.
Power Vacuum & DMK Succession Drama
While Stalin’s health is reportedly stable, the incident has reignited whispers about a potential succession struggle within the DMK. Having sidelined his politically aggressive brother M.K. Alagiri during Karunanidhi’s lifetime, Stalin had finally become the uncontested leader of the party. Alagiri, who once famously declared he recognised no one but his father as DMK leader, was the key obstacle in Stalin’s rise. It wasn’t until Karunanidhi underwent a tracheostomy in his final years that Stalin truly took charge.
Now, with Stalin briefly out of active duty, questions arise: will his son Udhayanidhi Stalin naturally ascend? Or will other power centres within the party challenge the dynastic route?
Sabareesan’s Shadow & The Role of Senthamarai
Stalin’s daughter Senthamarai has never been politically active, but her husband Sabareesan is a major behind-the-scenes player. He was instrumental in bringing in strategist Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC team ahead of the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading to a decisive win for the DMK. Sabareesan’s strategic acumen and proximity to Stalin have made him influential within the party’s inner circle.
With Udhayanidhi increasingly seen as Stalin’s political successor, there are murmurs about whether Sabareesan would support this transition or form his own camp. His role in party affairs has grown steadily, and insiders suggest he may not be content staying in the shadows if Udhay takes the throne.
Calm Before the Storm?
While Stalin’s health may soon be back to normal, the political questions his brief absence has raised are far from settled. With multiple power centres developing within the DMK from son Udhayanidhi, son-in-law Sabareesan, to sister Kanimozhi the party could be headed toward a delicate transition period. Whether Stalin manages to orchestrate a smooth handover or the DMK faces internal churn remains to be seen. For now, all eyes remain on the leader’s recovery and the party’s next moves.