CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin dismissed rumours that his son and Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Udhayanidhi Stalin will be made the Deputy Chief Minister. The news spread that Stalin would go on a foreign trip next month and the responsibility would be handed over to Udhayanidhi and he would be made the Deputy Chief Minister later. This has now been rejected by the Chief Minister.

MK Stalin alleged that those opposing the DMK youth wing conference to be held in Salem on January 21 under the leadership of Udhayanidhi are behind such campaigns. The Chief Minister said that while the youth across the state were preparing for the conference, some even spread false information about his health. MK Stalin's response is in his Pongal greeting message. He added that he is healthy, happy and working.

'After the lie about my health was exposed, some people spread rumours that the post of deputy chief minister was going to be given to Udhayanidhi. However, Udhayanidhi himself has made it clear that all the ministers are there to help the Chief Minister and the controversy should end. Party workers will not allow any movement to divert attention from the youth wing meeting.

The purpose of the conference will be to protect states' rights and federalism. The DMK chairmanship was given by the decision of the workers and the party general council. However, it was the support of the people and the great efforts of the party workers that made me the Chief Minister' - said MK Stalin.