Chennai, May 18 (IANS) Senior DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister P. Thiaga Rajan (PTR) has announced that he will temporarily step back from active politics following the party’s defeat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, saying he intends to take a “short break” after spending a decade in elected office.

In a detailed statement reflecting on the election outcome and the evolving political environment in Tamil Nadu, PTR said he was looking forward to spending a few weeks away from public life and reconnecting with life as a private citizen.

He explained that the break would allow him to pursue opportunities that had remained out of reach during his years in public office, including invitations to deliver lectures and participate in events in India and abroad.

PTR also revealed that he plans to devote time to writing a book. Alongside his professional commitments, he said he hopes to focus on his health and adopt a more balanced lifestyle after recently turning 60.

At the same time, the former minister made it clear that his decision should not be interpreted as a permanent withdrawal from politics. “I am adapting to the reality that I am not going to be an elected representative for a while — at least until the next election.

But my passion for public service and to be an agent of change remains undiminished. I shall return – recharged and refreshed,” he said.

PTR has been one of the prominent and articulate faces of the DMK in recent years, earning recognition for his strong views on governance and economic policy matters.

He was first elected from the Madurai Central constituency in the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly election and retained the seat in 2021.

Following the DMK’s victory that year, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin appointed him Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management. During his tenure, PTR released a White Paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial condition and debt profile. In a Cabinet reshuffle in May 2023, he was moved to the Information Technology and Digital Services portfolio. However, his electoral journey suffered a setback in the 2026 Assembly election when he lost Madurai Central to TVK candidate Madhar Badhurudeen, who secured a decisive victory by a margin of more than 19,000 votes.

–IANS

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