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, 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