In Tamil Nadu Assembly, a Gandhi, a Nehru would report to Stalin

What is in a name? In Tamil Nadu, a name may be an indicator of one's political leanings, nationalist passion or the ideology of the parents

What do Nehru and Gandhi have in common? Both are part of the M K Stalin Cabinet in Tamil Nadu. Hold your breath. These are the namesakes of India's first Prime Minister and Father of the Nation.

Also read — On Day 1 as Tamil Nadu CM, M K Stalin approves Rs 2,000 Covid-19 relief, free bus travel for women

While K N Nehru, the strongman from Tiruchirapalli, is the Municipal Administration Minister, R Gandhi is the Handlooms and Textiles Minister in the new Cabinet. And of course, their boss is Stalin, named after Russian ruler Joseph Stalin.

Nehru and Gandhi were named after the leaders by their parents out of admiration for them.

Also read — M K Stalin sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Karunanidhi, who had decided to name his second son Ayyadurai (Ayya denotes Periyar and Durai for Annadurai) but he changed his mind, when he was interrupted during a public meeting and told about Stalin's birth in 1953. Karunanidhi was an admirer of the Russian ruler.

Nehru and Gandhi are long-time DMK men.