M. K. Stalin (born 1 March 1953) is an Indian politician and president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2021 to 2026. The son of the late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, he rose through the party over five decades, serving as Mayor of Chennai and Deputy Chief Minister before leading the DMK to power in 2021. In the 2026 election the DMK lost to Vijay‘s TVK, and Stalin lost his own seat.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin |
| Born | 1 March 1953, Madras (now Chennai), India |
| Age | 73 |
| Party | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (president since 2018) |
| Office held | Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2021–2026) |
| Other offices | Mayor of Chennai (1996–2002); Deputy Chief Minister (2009–2011) |
| Father | M. Karunanidhi |
| Spouse | Durga Stalin |
| Children | Udhayanidhi Stalin, Senthamarai |
Early Life
Stalin was born in Chennai, the son of M. Karunanidhi, the DMK leader and five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He was named after the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who died days after his birth. He became politically active as a teenager. During the Emergency he was detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act.
Political Career
Stalin led the DMK’s youth wing for many years. He was first elected to the Assembly from Thousand Lights in 1989. In 1996 he became the first directly elected Mayor of Chennai, and his tenure was known for building flyovers.
In 2009 Stalin became Tamil Nadu’s first Deputy Chief Minister. He was named the DMK’s working president in 2017 and took over as party president after his father’s death in August 2018. The following year he led the DMK-led alliance to a sweep of Tamil Nadu in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
In May 2021 the DMK returned to power, and Stalin became Chief Minister. His government introduced the free breakfast scheme for schoolchildren and a monthly cash grant for women heads of families. He opposed NEET, Hindi imposition and the proposed delimitation of parliamentary seats. He also became a prominent voice for states’ rights.
In the May 2026 Assembly election, actor Vijay’s new party, TVK, emerged as the largest party, and the DMK was pushed into opposition. Stalin lost his Kolathur seat, which he had held since 2011. His son Udhayanidhi became Leader of the Opposition. Stalin remains DMK president.
Personal Life
Stalin married Durga in 1975, and they have a son, Udhayanidhi, an actor-turned-politician, and a daughter, Senthamarai. He is known for his fitness routine and cycling.
Key Offices Held
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was M. K. Stalin born?
M. K. Stalin was born on 1 March 1953 in Madras (now Chennai), India.
