Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu (1952–2025): Current CM, First CM, Longest Serving & Full List
Parul Rishi28 Nov, 2025
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Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has seen several influential leaders since the formation of the state. The current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is M.K. Stalin, who has been serving since 7 May 2021. For competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, TNPSC, Railway, and defence exams, questions related to the first CM of Tamil Nadu, the longest-serving CM, and the Tamil Nadu CM list are frequently asked.
In this article, you will find the complete list of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu from 1952 to 2025, along with important facts, party-wise details, and year-wise tenure.
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Current CM | M. K. Stalin |
| Party | DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) |
| Assumed Office | 7 May 2021 |
| Serving Year | 2021–2025 (Incumbent) |
First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
The first CM of the state before renaming was:
| Category | Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| First CM of Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) | A. Subbarayalu Reddiar | 1921 |
| First CM after renaming to Tamil Nadu (1969) | M. Karunanidhi | 1969 |
This is one of the most searched TNPSC exam questions
Longest Serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
| Name | Total Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|
| M. Karunanidhi | 19+ years (5 terms) | DMK |
| J. Jayalalithaa | 14+ years (6 terms, non-consecutive) | AIADMK |
Both leaders shaped Tamil Nadu politically, culturally, and socially.
List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu From 1952 to 2025
Candidates can go through the list of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu from the below table:
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List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu From 1952 to 2025 |
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| S. No. | List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu | From | To | Party |
| 1 | M. K. Stalin | 7th May 2021 | Present | DMK |
| 2 | Edappadi K Palaniswami | 16th Feb 2017 | 6th May 2021 | AIADMK |
| 3 | O. Panneerselvam | 6th Dec 2016 | 16th Feb 2017 | AIADMK |
| 4 | J. Jayalalithaa | 19th May 2016 | 5th Dec 2016 | AIADMK |
| 5 | J. Jayalalithaa | 23rd May 2015 | 19th May 2016 | AIADMK |
| 6 | O. Panneerselvam | 29th Sep 2014 | 23rd May 2015 | AIADMK |
| 7 | J. Jayalalithaa | 16th May 2011 | 27th Sep 2014 | AIADMK |
| 8 | M. Karunanidhi | 13th May 2006 | 15th May 2011 | DMK |
| 9 | J. Jayalalithaa | 2nd Mar 2002 | 12th May 2006 | AIADMK |
| 10 | O. Panneerselvam | 21st Sep 2001 | 1st Mar 2002 | AIADMK |
| 11 | J. Jayalalithaa | 14th May 2001 | 21st Sep 2001 | AIADMK |
| 12 | M. Karunanidhi | 13th May 1996 | 13th May 2001 | DMK |
| 13 | J. Jayalalithaa | 24th Jun 1991 | 12th May 1996 | AIADMK |
| President's rule | 30th Jan 1991 | 24th Jun 1991 | ||
| 14 | M. Karunanidhi | 27th Jan 1989 | 30th Jan 1991 | DMK |
| President's rule | 30th Jan 1988 | 27th Jan 1989 | ||
| 15 | Janaki Ramachandran | 7th Jan 1988 | 30th Jan 1988 | AIADMK |
| 16 | V.R. Nedunchezhiyan (acting) | 24th Dec 1987 | 7th Jan 1988 | AIADMK |
| 17 | M. G. Ramachandran | 10th Feb 1985 | 24th Dec 1987 | AIADMK |
| 18 | M. G. Ramachandran | 9th Jun 1980 | 15th Nov 1984 | AIADMK |
| 19 | President's rule | 17th Feb 1980 | 9th Jun 1980 | |
| 20 | M. G. Ramachandran | 30th Jun 1977 | 17th Feb 1980 | AIADMK |
| President's rule | 31st Jan 1976 | 30th Jun 1977 | ||
| 21 | M. Karunanidhi | 15th Mar 1971 | 31st Jan 1976 | DMK |
| 22 | M. Karunanidhi | 10th Feb 1969 | 4th Jan 1971 | DMK |
| 23 | V.R. Nedunchezhiyan (acting) | 3rd Feb 1969 | 10th Feb 1969 | DMK |
| 24 | C. N. Annadurai | 14th Jan 1969 | 3rd Feb 1969 | DMK |
| 25 | C. N. Annadurai | 6th Mar 1967 | 14th Jan 1969 | DMK |
| 26 | M. Bakthavatsalam | 2nd Oct 1963 | 6th Mar 1967 | INC |
| 27 | K. Kamaraj | 15th Mar 1962 | 2nd Oct 1963 | INC |
| 28 | K. Kamaraj | 13th Apr 1957 | 1st Mar 1962 | INC |
| 29 | K. Kamaraj | 13th Apr 1954 | 31st Mar 1957 | INC |
| 30 | C. Rajagopalachari | 10th Apr 1952 | 13th Apr 1954 | INC |
| 31 | P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja | 26th Jan 1950 | 9th Apr 1952 | INC |
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu Important Facts
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A. Subbarayalu Reddiar was the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Madras Presidency), serving briefly from April to July 1921.
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J. Jayalalithaa is known as the longest-serving Chief Minister, with six non-consecutive terms totaling more than 14 years.
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Janaki Ramachandran became the first woman Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1988, following the death of M. G. Ramachandran (MGR).
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The AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has been one of the most dominant political parties, with major leaders like MGR and Jayalalithaa serving as CMs.
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M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), a former actor and political icon, served as Chief Minister for over 10 years, earning a massive public following.
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The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has also produced influential leaders, notably M. Karunanidhi, who served multiple terms and shaped Dravidian politics.
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After Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, the AIADMK party split into factions led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
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Tamil Nadu played a pivotal role in the Dravidian movement, influencing its governance, policies, and political culture.
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Tamil Nadu functions under a federal political structure, where the Chief Minister serves as the executive head of the state government.
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The state's political scene is known for frequent elections, shifting alliances, and power changes mainly between AIADMK and DMK.
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Over the years, Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers have introduced major reforms in education, healthcare, welfare schemes, and public services.
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Chief Ministers have significantly contributed to preserving and promoting Tamil culture, Tamil identity, and language rights.
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