List of all Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu (1952-2026)
Explore the complete list of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu from 1952 to present, highlighting political transitions, tenures, and milestones. From Madras State to modern Tamil Nadu, understand leadership roles, constitutional process, and the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
List of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has seen several influential leaders that since the formation of the state. From M.K. Stalin to Edappadi K. Palaniswami, many prominient leaders have serving since 1952. As per the Constitution of India, the Governor is the de jure head of a state while the de facto executive authority rests with the Chief Minister.
After the Legislative Assembly Elections, the Governor of the state invites the party or coalition with a majority of seats, whichever the case, to form the government.
After the landslide victory in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, C. Joseph Vijay of TVK is all set to swear in as the 9th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 May 2026.
On 26 January 1950, Madras State was created after India gained Independence. It is the precursor to the present-day state of Tamil Nadu.
Madras State comprised of present-day Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. In the year 1953, it was split up along linguistic lines, carving out Andhra State. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 carved out Kerala and Mysore state. On 14 January 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu.
Who is Current Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu?
C. Joseph Vijay is serving as the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The actor-turned-politician and founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party was sworn in today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. His appointment marks a historic shift as the first leader outside the traditional DMK and AIADMK blocs to head the state government since 1967.
#WATCH | Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief C Joseph Vijay takes oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/8yGuYEAkfj
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2026
Key Facts About the Current Administration
- Chief Minister: C. Joseph Vijay (TVK).
- Assumed Office: May 10, 2026.
- Government Type: Coalition government supported by Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML.
- Legislative Strength: Secured the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly.
- Outgoing Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin (DMK), who served from May 2021 to May 2026.
Now, Below we have provided a list of all the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.
| Chief Ministers of Madras State | |||
| S. No. | Chief Minister | Tenure | Party |
| 1. | C. Rajagopalachari | 10 April 1952 - 13 April 1954 | Indian National Congress |
| 2. | K. Kamaraj | 13 April 1954 - 2 October 1963 | Indian National Congress |
| 3. | M. Bhakthavatsalam | 2 October 1963 - 5 March 1967 | Indian National Congress |
| 4. | C. N. Annadurai | 6 March 1967 - 13 February 1969 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu | |||
| S. No. | Chief Minister | Tenure | Party |
| 1. | C. N. Annadurai | 14 January 1969 - 3 February 1969 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Acting CM | V. R. Nedunchezhiyan | 3 February 1969 - 10 February 1969 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 2. | M. Karunanidhi | 10 February 1969 - 31 January 1976 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| President's Rule | 31 January 1976 - 29 June 1977 | ||
| 3. | M. G. Ramachandran | 30 June 1977 - 17 February 1980 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| President's Rule | 17 February 1980 - 8 June 1980 | ||
| (3) | M. G. Ramachandran | 9 June 1980 - 24 December 1987 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Acting CM | V. R. Nedunchezhiyan | 24 December 1987 - 7 January 1988 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 4. | V. N. Janaki Ramachandran | 7 January 1988 - 30 January 1988 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| President's Rule | 30 January 1988 - 26 January 1989 | ||
| (2) | M. Karunanidhi | 27 January 1989 - 30 January 1991 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| President's Rule | 30 January 1991 - 23 June 1991 | ||
| 5. | J. Jayalalithaa | 24 June 1991 - 12 May 1996 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (2) | M. Karunanidhi | 13 May 1996 - 13 May 2001 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (5) | J. Jayalalithaa | 14 May 2001 - 21 September 2001 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 6. | O. Panneerselvam | 21 September 2001 - 2 March 2002 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (5) | J. Jayalalithaa | 2 March 2002 - 12 May 2006 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (2) | M. Karunanidhi | 13 May 2006 - 15 May 2011 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (5) | J. Jayalalithaa | 16 May 2011 - 27 September 2014 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (6) | O. Panneerselvam | 28 September 2014 - 23 May 2015 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (5) | J. Jayalalithaa | 23 May 2015 - 5 December 2016 (Till her death) | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| (6) | O. Panneerselvam | 5 December 2016 - 15 February 2017 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 7. | Edappadi K. Palaniswami | 16 February 2017 - 6 May 2021 | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 8. | M. K. Stalin | 7 May 2021 - 10 May 2026 | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| 9. | C. Joseph Vijay | 10 May 2026 - Present | Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) |
Key Highlights:
1- M. Karunanidhi is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with almost 19 years in office.
2- V. N. Janaki Ramachandran was the shortest-serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with only 23 days in office.
This was the complete list of all the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. The students who will be appearing for the government, as well as competitive examinations, are advised to go through the list thoroughly.
Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.
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