Chennai, May 18: Senior DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister P. Thiaga Rajan (PTR) has announced that he will step back from active politics for a while following the party’s defeat in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. After spending a decade in elected office, he expressed a desire to take a short break.
In a detailed statement regarding the election results and the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu, he mentioned his eagerness to spend a few weeks away from public life and reconnect with his life as a private citizen.
This break will allow him to pursue opportunities that were previously out of reach while in public office, including invitations to lecture and participate in events both in India and abroad.
PTR also shared his intention to dedicate time to writing a book. Alongside his professional responsibilities, he noted that after recently turning 60, he hopes to focus on his health and adopt a more balanced lifestyle.
The former minister clarified that this decision should not be viewed as a permanent exit from politics. “I acknowledge that for a time, at least until the next election, I will not be an elected representative. However, my passion for public service and making a difference remains undiminished. I will return with renewed energy and freshness,” he stated.
In recent years, PTR has been one of the prominent and vocal faces of the DMK. He is recognized for his strong views on governance and economic policy.
He was first elected in the 2016 Tamil Nadu assembly elections from the Madurai Central constituency and retained this seat in 2021. Following the DMK’s victory that year, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin appointed him as the Minister of Finance and Human Resource Management.
During his tenure, PTR released a ‘white paper’ detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial status and debt situation. In May 2023, he was assigned the portfolio of Information Technology and Digital Services during a cabinet reshuffle. However, his electoral journey faced a significant setback in the 2026 assembly elections when he lost to TVK candidate Madhar Baduruddin from the Madurai Central seat by a margin of over 19,000 votes.
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