Chennai:
There's one seat that's the envy of all eyes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly - seat no.3 occupied by the new Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin. The son of DMK Chief M Karunanidhi may have proved his mettle as an administrator. Now, he faces the test of handling a fierce opposition on the floor of the house.
A 'prince in-waiting' for many years. But being closer to the throne, may sometimes mean a crown of thorns.
Tamil Nadu's opposition parties led by the AIADMK are ensuring that M K Stalin has his baptism by fire in his maiden assembly session as Deputy Chief Minister. The 55-year-old younger son of Chief Minister Karunanidhi has had to brace himself for walkouts, harsh criticism and uncomfortable questions. His mantra - build bridges between parties.
"I will function as a bridge between the CM and all MLAs," said M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu.
What has probably made Stalin's life easier is the absence of AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa in this first session after the DMK's surprise win in the Lok Sabha polls. But her party MLAs seem all set to harp on alleged electoral irregularities.
Stalin may lack the wit of his father. But he's got rich experience both in the party and as an MLA. That should help him handle many stormy assembly sessions.