Is there a Deputy Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu?
Short answerNo. Tamil Nadu has no Deputy Chief Minister: the ministry sworn in from 10 May 2026, which reached 35 ministers on 22 May 2026, has none. The Constitution does not provide for the post; N. Anand is second in the Government's order of precedence.
Office list last checked 26 September 2026 against the Government's minister list; the 8 May reports from the formation timeline.
The cabinet has no Deputy Chief Minister
The ministry sworn in with the Chief Minister on 10 May 2026 grew to 35 ministers by 22 May 2026 and has not changed since, according to the Government's list (last checked 26 September 2026). No one among the 35 has the title Deputy Chief Minister. Second in the order of precedence is N. Anand, MLA for Thiyagarayanagar.
Why people ask
On 8 May 2026, before the swearing-in, reports said that VCK's president Thol. Thirumavalavan was expected to be made Deputy Chief Minister. The oath of 10 May 2026 did not include the post, and VCK's Vanni Arasu joined the cabinet as a minister on 22 May 2026.
What the Constitution says
Articles 163 and 164 speak of a Chief Minister and a council of ministers. They do not mention a Deputy Chief Minister, so whether there is one is a choice of each government.
More: every minister and department · who is the Chief Minister.
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Sources
- Government of Tamil Nadu, Council of Ministers (office list last checked 26 September 2026).
- Constitution of India, Articles 163 and 164: legislative.gov.in.
Page updated 2 October 2026
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