Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin becomes Leader of Opposition

Chennai: In Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin was elected leader of the DMK Legislature Party on Sunday, paving the way for him to become Leader of the Opposition as head of the second-largest party in the Assembly, The Hindu reported.

The 17th Assembly is now set for a political showdown between Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Udhayanidhi, both from film backgrounds. Meanwhile, KN Nehru was named deputy leader of the Legislature Party and EV Velu appointed party whip.

Meanwhile, Vijay on Sunday said he will be the sole "power centre" in his led government, and sought to identify himself as a commoner from humble origins, PTI reported.

Vijay said he was well aware of poverty and hunger as he was born as the son of an ordinary assistant film director who aspired to win in cinema by working hard.

In his maiden speech, the CM assured there will be only one power centre in his regime and that will be only him. Further, a new beginning, a new era has started.

"There is only one centre here, the centre under my leadership. A centre on this side, a power centre on that side, another power centre there - none of that exists, I'm telling you right now," he said.

Further, he said, "I do not hail from any royal lineage, I am like you and I am like one among you, one among your family," he said adding he was feeling like one of them, their son or brother.

Apparently, he was underscoring that he did not have the backing of any big established political family.

He added: "It is a fresh, new beginning. A new era of real, secular, social justice starts..." Vijay paused, looked down, pointed at his wrist watch and added with a dramatic flourish: "Now!" This statement was greeted with thunderous applause, cheers and whistles.

Vijay was sworn in as CM of Tamil Nadu, after his party TVK won the April 23 polls and clinched outside support to cross the 118 majority mark.