Chennai, 18 May (H.S.):

Senior DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister P. Thiaga Rajan (PTR) has announced that he will be stepping away from active politics for a brief period following the party’s defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying he intends to return to public life “recharged and refreshed” after taking time for personal and professional pursuits.

In a reflective statement on the changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu and his own electoral setback, PTR said he was looking forward to spending a few weeks away from the pressures of public office and rediscovering life as a private citizen after nearly a decade as an elected representative.

The former minister said the break would give him an opportunity to pursue several activities that had remained on hold during his years in government and electoral politics. These include invitations to deliver lectures and participate in events both in India and overseas.

PTR also disclosed that he plans to focus on writing a book under a publishing agreement with HarperCollins. In addition, he said he intends to spend more time on his personal well-being and health after recently turning 60, while seeking a more balanced lifestyle outside the demands of politics.

At the same time, he made it clear that the move should not be interpreted as a retirement from public life.

“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,” PTR said.

Widely regarded as one of the DMK’s most articulate and outspoken leaders, PTR emerged as a prominent voice on economic and governance issues during his tenure in government.

He was first elected from Madurai Central in 2016 and retained the seat in 2021. Following the DMK’s victory that year, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin appointed him Finance Minister, where he gained attention for releasing a White Paper on Tamil Nadu’s financial condition and debt profile.

In a Cabinet reshuffle in 2023, PTR was shifted to the Information Technology and Digital Services portfolio.

However, his political journey encountered a setback in the 2026 Assembly elections when he lost the Madurai Central constituency to TVK candidate Madhar Badhurudeen by a margin exceeding 19,000 votes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman