Chennai, Aug 5 (Reporter) "Strengthened...not ripened", this was how Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin on Monday said on his son and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's elevation as the Deputy Chief Minister. Talking to reporters at Kolathur constituency after launching various welfare measures and inaugurating finished projects here, he said there has been growing demand (to elevate his son and Sports Development and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi) as Deputy Chief Minister. But the time is not ripe, Mr Stalin said, apparently indicating that it might take more time, though there has been growing demand within the party and even some Ministers openly favouring his elevation. "Strengthened...but not ripened", was the Chief Minister's one line response to a query from reporters on the growing demand for elevation of his son. Though speculations were rife about his elevation as Deputy CM ever since his induction into the Cabinet in December 2022, recently it gained more credence as reports said that Udhayanidhi would be elevated in the Cabinet ahead of the Chief Minister's US trip scheduled this month end to attract investments to the State. While several Ministers had made open statements in support his elevation, a resolution too was adopted at the DMK's Youth Wing meeting recently. However, reacting to it, Mr Udhayanidhi, speaking at the meeting, said all Ministers are Deputies to the Chief Minister and that the post of DMK Youth Wing Secretary was close to his heart. (ED : PICK UP SUITABLY FROM EARLIER SERIES)...////...