Thangam Thennarasu
| Thangam Thennarasu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 3, 1966 Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political Party | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) |
| Education | B.E. in Engineering |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Current Position | Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu (since 2023) |
| Other Roles |
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| Family |
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Thangam Thennarasu is a senior Indian politician and current Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu. A veteran leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), he has served in various key cabinet roles across education, industry, and power. Known for his administrative acumen and strong public advocacy, Thennarasu is a prominent face in Tamil Nadu’s governance and policy circles.[1]
Political Career
Thennarasu entered politics in 1998 by winning a by-election from the Aruppukottai constituency, succeeding his father, veteran DMK leader V. Thangapandian. Since then, he has been a consistent presence in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.[2]
Key Positions Held
- Minister for School Education (2006–2011) – Oversaw education reform and infrastructure expansion.
- Minister for Industries (2021–2023) – Played a key role in industrial policy during the post-pandemic recovery.
- Minister for Electricity (June–September 2023) – Brief tenure managing power infrastructure.
- Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu (May 2023–present) – Presented DMK’s fifth state budget in 2025, focusing on fiscal discipline and social welfare.
In his 2025 budget speech, Thennarasu addressed fiscal prudence, state borrowing, and development targets amid national economic constraints.[3]
Personal Background
- Date of Birth: June 3, 1966
- Hometown: Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- Family: Son of former DMK MLA V. Thangapandian; sibling of Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Member of Parliament
Electoral History
Thennarasu has won multiple elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly:
- Aruppukottai: 1998 (by-election), 2006
- Tiruchuli: 2011, 2016, 2021
In 2021, he secured over 59% of the vote in Tiruchuli, reflecting his popularity in southern Tamil Nadu.[4]
Public Stance and Advocacy
Thennarasu is a vocal advocate for:
- State financial autonomy – Criticizing Union policies affecting state funds.
- Rural development – Championing equitable infrastructure across districts.
- Preserving Tamil identity – Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s cultural and economic contributions to the Indian Union.
He has also been outspoken about the central government's approach to taxation, GST dues, and fund allocation disparities.
Recent Developments
In March 2025, Thennarasu presented the Tamil Nadu state budget, addressing concerns on:
- State debt management
- Fiscal consolidation
- Enhanced allocations for education, health, and welfare
- Law and order reforms[5]
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/archaeological-artefacts-effectively-proclaim-glory-of-tamil-culture-thangam-thennarasu/article69391447.ece
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/tamil-nadu-achieves-unprecedented-economic-growth-says-finance-minister/article69416588.ece
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/minister-distributes-welfare-measures-to-3270-beneficiaries-in-nagercoil/article69391050.ece
- ↑ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/22/minister-thangam-thennarasu-warns-aiadmk-on-chanakya-calculations-points-to-vanathis-grin
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thangam-thennarasu-joins-issue-with-palaniswami/article69129291.ece