Tamil Nadu, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant political landscape, has been governed by a succession of visionary leaders who have left an indelible mark on its history. The role of Chief Minister, the highest executive authority in the state, has been held by individuals who have steered Tamil Nadu through various socio-political and economic challenges. Let’s embark on a journey through the list of former Chief Ministers who have shaped the destiny of Tamil Nadu.
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu
Since its official renaming as Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, the state has witnessed 12 Chief Ministers. A. Subbarayalu Reddiar, of the Justice Party, was the first Chief Minister before state formation in December 1920. M.K. Stalin, the current Chief Minister from the DMK Party, assumed office in May 2021. M. Karunanidhi, from the DMK, holds the record for the longest tenure, serving over 18 years. J. Jayalalithaa, the “Queen of Tamil Cinema,” had the second-longest tenure, over 14 years across six terms. M.G. Ramachandran, founder of the AIADMK Party, served for 10 years. His wife, V. N. Janaki Ramachandran, had the shortest tenure, lasting only 23 days. C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor of India, also served as Chief Minister. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has experienced four instances of President’s rule. The major ruling parties include the Justice Party, INC, DMK, and AIADMK.
Inaugural Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
A. Subbarayalu Reddiar, representing the Justice Party, held the distinction of being the inaugural Chief Minister before the official formation of Tamil Nadu in December 1920. His leadership marked the early governance of the region, laying the groundwork for the state’s future political landscape and administrative framework.
Current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
M.K. Stalin, hailing from the DMK Party, assumed the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in May 2021. His ascension to power heralds a period of fresh governance strategies and progressive reforms. With a focus on inclusive policies and socio-economic development, he endeavors to address the diverse needs of the populace. As the current leader, he navigates the state towards a promising future of prosperity and equitable growth.
Longest Serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
M. Karunanidhi, representing the DMK Party, holds the record for the longest-serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Across multiple tenures, spanning over 18 years, his leadership left an enduring impact on the state’s socio-political landscape. His vision for progressive policies and dedication to public service solidified his legacy as one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential leaders.
Shortest Serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Janaki Ramachandran holds the distinction of having the shortest tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, serving for a mere 23 days. Despite the brevity of her term, her brief stewardship contributed to the state’s governance during that short period, marking a unique chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political history.
List of Former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu
Since its official renaming as Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, the state has witnessed 12 Chief Ministers. Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu:
| Former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu | |||
| S. No. | Name | From | To |
| 1. | A. Subbarayalu Reddiar | 17 Dec 1920 | 11 Jul 1921 |
| 2. | Raja of Panagal | 11 Jul 1921 | 11 Sep 1923 |
| 3. | Raja of Panagal | 19 Nov 1923 | 04 Dec 1926 |
| 4. | P. Subbarayan | 04 Dec 1926 | 27 Oct 1930 |
| 5. | B. Munuswamy Naidu | 27 Oct 1930 | 05 Nov 1932 |
| 6. | Raja of Bobbili | 05 Nov 1932 | 05 Nov 1934 |
| 7. | Raja of Bobbili | 05 Nov 1934 | 04 Apr 1936 |
| 8. | P. T. Rajan | 04 Apr 1936 | 24 Aug 1936 |
| 9. | Raja of Bobbili | 24 Aug 1936 | 01 Apr 1937 |
| 10. | Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu | 01 Apr 1937 | 14 Jul 1937 |
| 11. | C. Rajagopalchari | 14 Jul 1937 | 29 Oct 1939 |
| 12. | Governor’s Rule | 29 Oct 1939 | 30 Apr 1946 |
| 13. | Tanguturi Prakasam | 30 Apr 1946 | 23 Mar 1947 |
| 14. | O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar | 23 Mar 1947 | 06 Apr 1949 |
| 15. | P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja | 06 Apr 1949 | 26 Jan 1950 |
| 16. | P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja | 26 Jan 1950 | 10 Apr 1952 |
| 17. | C. Rajagopalachari | 10 Apr 1952 | 13 Apr 1954 |
| 18. | K. Kamaraj | 13 Apr 1954 | 01 Mar 1962 |
| 19. | K. Kamaraj | 15 Mar 1962 | 02 Oct 1962 |
| 20. | M. Bakthavatsalam | 02 Oct 1962 | 06 Mar 1967 |
| 21. | C. N. Annadurai | 06 Mar 1967 | 03 Feb 1969 |
| 22. | V. R. Nedunchezhiyan | 03 Feb 1969 | 10 Feb 1969 |
| 23. | M. Karunanidhi | 10 Feb 1969 | 04 Jan 1971 |
| 24. | M. Karunanidhi | 15 Mar 1971 | 31 Jan 1976 |
| 25. | President’s Rule | 31 Jan 1976 | 30 Jun 1977 |
| 26. | M.G. Ramachandran | 01 Jun 1977 | 17 Feb 1980 |
| 27. | President’s Rule | 17 Feb 1980 | 09 Jun 1980 |
| 28. | M. G. Ramachandran | 09 Jun 1980 | 15 Nov 1984 |
| 29. | M. G. Ramachandran | 10 Feb 1985 | 24 Dec 1987 |
| 30. | V.R. Nedunchezhiyan | 24 Dec 1987 | 07 Jan 1988 |
| 31. | Janaki Ramachandran | 07 Jan 1988 | 30 Jan 1988 |
| 32. | President’s Rule | 30 Jan 1988 | 27 Jan 1989 |
| 33. | M. Karunanidhi | 27 Jan 1989 | 30 Jan 1991 |
| 34. | President’s Rule | 30 Jan 1991 | 24 Jun 1991 |
| 35. | J. Jayalalithaa | 24 Jun 1991 | 13 May 1996 |
| 36. | M. Karunanidhi | 13 May 1996 | 13 May 2001 |
| 37. | J. Jayalalithaa | 14 May 2001 | 21 Sep 2001 |
| 38. | O. Panneerselvam | 21 Sep 2001 | 01 Mar 2002 |
| 39. | J. Jayalalithaa | 02 Mar 2002 | 12 May 2006 |
| 40. | M. Karunanidhi | 13 May 2006 | 15 May 2011 |
| 41. | J. Jayalalithaa | 16 May 2011 | 27 Sep 2014 |
| 42. | O. Panneerselvam | 29 Sep 2014 | 22 May 2015 |
| 43. | J. Jayalalithaa | 23 May 2015 | 23 May 2016 |
| 44. | J. Jayalalithaa | 24 May 2016 | 04 Dec 2016 |
| 45. | O. Panneerselvam | 06 Dec 2016 | 15 Feb 2017 |
| 46. | Edappadi K. Palaniswami | 16 Feb 2017 | 06 May 2021 |
| 47. | M. K. Stalin | 07 May 2021 | Incumbent |
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