Thangam Thennarasu: Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Steering Fiscal Strategy Amid Changing Political Winds

Chennai | April 2025 – Thangam Thennarasu, a veteran leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), continues to be a pivotal figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and economic transformation. As the Finance Minister, he currently oversees a wide range of portfolios including Planning, Statistics, Human Resources Management, and Archaeology, aligning governance with fiscal prudence and social welfare.

His ascent through Tamil Nadu’s political hierarchy has been steady and strategic. With over two decades of legislative experience and multiple ministerial roles, Thennarasu brings deep institutional knowledge to the DMK’s second-term governance.

From Engineer to Political Strategist

Born on June 3, 1966, in Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar district, Thennarasu hails from a political family. His father, V. Thangapandian, was a DMK legislator, and his sister Thamizhachi Thangapandian serves as a Member of Parliament. With a background in engineering, Thennarasu entered politics not by accident but through familial legacy and grassroots involvement.

He first entered the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly through a by-election from Aruppukottai in 1998, later winning again in 2006. He has since been elected thrice from the Tiruchuli constituency (2011, 2016, 2021), securing over 59% of the vote in the last general election.

Ministerial Portfolios and Legislative Contributions

Thennarasu’s administrative journey includes holding major portfolios such as:

• Minister for School Education (2006–2011)
• Minister for Industries (2021–2023)
• Minister for Electricity (June–Sept 2023)
• Finance Minister (Since May 2023)

In March 2025, he presented the fifth budget of the current DMK government, focusing on fiscal consolidation, social sector spending, and state-level infrastructure development. His budget also addressed critical concerns about Tamil Nadu’s public debt and law and order infrastructure

Navigating Fiscal Autonomy and Federal Challenges

A vocal advocate of Tamil Nadu’s fiscal rights, Thennarasu has repeatedly called out the central government for policies that limit state autonomy. “Tamil Nadu’s legacy in economic and social development is unmatched. The Centre must acknowledge the role our state plays in nation-building,” he stated during a public speech earlier this year.

He continues to urge for structural reforms in the allocation of union tax revenue, claiming disproportionate fund disbursal impacts high-performing states like Tamil Nadu. His views have resonated with economists and regional political analysts tracking center-state dynamics.

Strategic Turnaround and Vision

Thennarasu’s leadership during challenging economic times, including post-pandemic recovery and global inflation pressures, has drawn both support and scrutiny. His commitment to maintaining a social welfare-heavy fiscal framework while ensuring sustainable borrowing patterns places him at the core of DMK’s developmental politics.

A strong believer in the Tamil identity, he also champions the state’s cultural and archaeological heritage through budgetary support and institutional grants.

Conclusion

As Finance Minister, Thangam Thennarasu embodies the DMK’s focus on regional empowerment, inclusive governance, and administrative continuity. With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, his role in steering Tamil Nadu’s economic policies could be decisive for the party’s political calculus. A bridge between legacy politics and forward-looking governance, Thennarasu continues to be one of the key architects shaping Tamil Nadu’s next decade.