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List of Former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu

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 - Wikidata

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 - Wikipedia

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 - Wikipedia

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 | MGR Home & Higher Secondary School for the Speech & Hearing Impaired

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

List of Cricket Stadiums in Andhra Pradesh_70.1

FAQs

Who was the first 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.

Who is the 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.

Who was the 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.

Who was the 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.

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