Udhayanidhi Stalin, born on November 27, 1977, is a significant political figure in Tamil Nadu, currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister. He is the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin and grandson of former leader M Karunanidhi, making him a third-generation leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). After a successful career in the Tamil film industry, he entered politics in 2019 and was sworn in as a cabinet minister in December 2022. In the 2021 Assembly elections, he won the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency with a margin exceeding 70,000 votes, a seat previously held by his grandfather.

Stalin's political ascent has been rapid; he was appointed Secretary of the DMK Youth Wing in July 2019 and became Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. His portfolios include Youth Welfare, Sports Development, and Special Programme Implementation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Loyola College and has declared assets worth ₹20.64 crore (approximately $2.5 million USD), significantly higher than his father's assets.

In addition to his political career, Stalin has been an activist, facing 22 criminal charges related to protests. He is known for his opposition to the NEET exam and the Citizenship Amendment Act, famously tearing up a copy during a protest. As Sports Minister, he has launched initiatives like the Champions Foundation and the Chief Minister’s Trophy, enhancing Tamil Nadu's profile in athletics.