List of Deputy Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu currently has no Deputy Chief Minister as the post has been vacant since 10 May 2026, when C. Joseph Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was sworn in as Chief Minister. Since the post's introduction in 2009, Tamil Nadu has had only three Deputy Chief Ministers to date.

Updated On - 08 Oct 2026

Here is the list of Deputy Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu from its formation in 2009 to the present in 2026:

Name

Term of Office

Constituency

Party

Vacant

10 May 2026 - Present 

NA

NA

Udhayanidhi Stalin

28 September 2024 - 10 May 2026

Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Vacant

7 May 2021 – 27 September 2024 

NA

NA

O. Panneerselvam

21 August 2017 - 6 May 2021

Bodinayakanur

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Vacant

16 May 2011 – 20 August 2017

NA

NA

M. K. Stalin

29 May 2009 - 15 May 2011

Thousand Lights

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

The post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has been vacant since 10 May 2026. C. Joseph Vijay (born 22 June 1974), who represents the Perambur constituency for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), currently serves as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu rather than Deputy Chief Minister.

Summary 

Tamil Nadu has had only three Deputy Chief Ministers since the post was introduced in 2009, and the office has remained vacant for much of that period, including currently since 10 May 2026. C. Joseph Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) now serves as Chief Minister, leading a coalition government formed after the 2026 Assembly election. Check the list above for each Tamil Nadu Deputy CM's term, constituency and party, and explore BankBazaar's other Voter ID guides for more on the state's electoral system.

FAQs on Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

1.What does the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu do?

A Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu assists the Chief Minister in overseeing government departments and coordinating policy among ministries. A Tamil Nadu Deputy CM typically also holds a cabinet portfolio and represents the state government at official functions. The role adds political stability, especially within a coalition government.

2.How many Deputy Chief Ministers has Tamil Nadu had?

Tamil Nadu has had three Deputy Chief Ministers since the post was introduced in 2009. The list above details each Tamil Nadu Deputy CM's term of office, constituency and political party. The office has also remained vacant for extended periods over the years.

3.Can Tamil Nadu have more than one Deputy Chief Minister at a time?

Yes, depending on political and coalition arrangements, a state can appoint more than one Deputy Chief Minister, though Tamil Nadu has so far appointed only one Deputy CM at a time. The number of Deputy Chief Ministers in Tamil Nadu is decided by the ruling party or coalition when the government is formed.

4.Does the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu automatically succeed the Chief Minister?

No, being Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu does not guarantee automatic succession to the Chief Minister's office. Succession depends on party leadership decisions, legislative support and the prevailing political dynamics within the state. The Governor of Tamil Nadu formally appoints the Chief Minister based on who commands majority support in the Assembly.

5.Is the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu always filled?

No, the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has remained vacant for significant stretches since it was created in 2009. Whether Tamil Nadu currently has a sitting Deputy CM is shown in the list above, since the post may be filled or left vacant depending on the government in office.

6.Why is it useful for voters and citizens to know about the Deputy Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu?

Knowing who has served as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu helps voters and citizens understand the state's political history and how government responsibilities have changed over time. This information adds transparency about state leadership and supports informed discussion. It also helps track which parties and coalitions have held this office. 

7.Who was the first Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?

M. K. Stalin was the first Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, sworn in when the post was introduced in 2009. He held the office as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led government at the time. Details of his and every subsequent Tamil Nadu Deputy CM's term are listed in the table above. 

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