Tamil Nadu CM List – Names, Terms, and Political Parties

The state of Tamil Nadu was officially formed on 1st November 1952. At that time, it was known as the Madras State, a name that was later changed to Tamil Nadu. Since 1952, the state has been led by approximately 12 prominent leaders as its Chief Ministers. The First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was Diwan Bahadur Agaram Subbarayalu Reddiar, who served before the state’s formation, from 17th December 1920 to 11th July 1921. The Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was M. Karunanidhi, who held the office for over 18 years and represented the Dravidian Progressive Federation. As of 2025, M. K. Stalin is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, representing the Dravidian Progressive Federation.

Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu

The Chief Ministers of TamilNadu are appointed by the Governor for the term of 5years, and holds opportunities for re-elections The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is the head of the state with his own executory branch which looks forward to the formulation and implementation of the policies for betterment of the state, where the key decisions includes the area such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and welfare programs. The political landscape has been significantly transitioned between two major political parties: the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu

The two Major Ruling Parties in Tamil Nadu are Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Below is a List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, since the establishment of the state in 1950 to the present.

Also Read: Chief Ministers of Jharkhand

First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

1. Subbarayalu Reddiar was the First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, elected in December 1920, who engaged himself in district politics of South Arcot and served as a district board president. He joined the Indian National Congress initially and left the party in 1916 to join the Justice Party to control the Madras Presidency in the first general elections in 1920. Subbarayalu Reddiar was chosen as Chief Minister. He served as Chief Minister till 11 July 1921 when he resigned due to health issues.

Current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

M K Stalin is the Current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, representing the Dravidian Progressive Federation, he was also the 8th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He began his political journey at the age of 14 by starting the Gopalapuram Youth Wing. His electoral politics span for about 35 years and it is inseparable from Tamil Nadu politics. From 1986 to 2014, he contested in eight Assembly elections, out of which he won six elections.

Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

1. Karunanidhi was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five separate terms. He held the position for 18 years, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the history of India. During his tenure, he implemented different social welfare plans, introduced progressive policies, and focused on developmental initiatives across the state. M. Karunanidhi was known for his ability to connect with the people and also for his firm commitment to the welfare of the Tamil population. He actively advocated for the rights of the Tamil-speaking population and stood with the cause of social justice.

First Female Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

Vaikom Narayani Janaki, also known as Janaki Ramachandran, was the First Female Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. she was an Indian actress, politician, and philanthropist who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1988 after the death of the former Chief Minister, her spouse, M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.). She was also the first actress to become the Chief Minister in the history of the Republic of India.