Who Is Edappadi K. Palaniswami? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Edappadi K. Palaniswami, born on May 12, 1954, in Tamil Nadu, India, is a prominent Indian politician known for serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021. He was a member of the AIADMK party, following the footsteps of his predecessor, J. Jayalalithaa. Raised in a politically active family, Palaniswami became involved in politics at a young age, eventually rising through the ranks to hold significant positions within the party. He is known for his leadership during challenging times in Tamil Nadu and has a unique approach to governance.
As of 2025, Palaniswami is 70 years old. His experience in the political landscape has made him a respected figure in Tamil Nadu.
Occupation | Politician |
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Date of Birth | May 12, 1954 |
Age | 71 Years |
Birth Place | Siluvampalayam, Salem district, Madras State, India (present-day Tamil Nadu) |
Horoscope | Taurus |
Country | India |
Popularity
Edappadi K. Palaniswami's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific statistics regarding Edappadi K. Palaniswami's height and weight are not publicly documented, he is often described as having a medium build typical of politicians in his demographic. His stature and presence indicate a person who commands respect and attention in both political circles and public gatherings.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Edappadi K. Palaniswami is married to his wife, Parvathi Palaniswami, and they have a daughter named Sopna Palaniswami. He prefers to keep his family life private and out of the media spotlight. As of 2025, there are no credible reports indicating any extramarital relationships or affairs, reinforcing his commitment to his family and his role in politics.
After completing school, he completed B.Sc. from Sri Vasavi College. His parents were involved in agriculture and Palaniswami also chose to get involved in the same. He has two siblings, a brother Govindraj and a sister Ranjitham. He is married to Ratha and they have a son.
Net Worth and Salary
As a seasoned politician and former Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami has amassed considerable wealth over the years. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of ₹50 crores to ₹100 crores (approximately $6 million to $12 million). His income sources primarily include his salary as a politician, investments in businesses, and other real estate assets.
Career, Business and Investments
Palaniswami's political career began in the late 1970s. He served in various capacities before assuming the role of Chief Minister. After taking office, he implemented several welfare schemes, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development. His leadership style is characterized by a blend of traditional politics and modern governance.
In addition to his political endeavors, Palaniswami has invested in various sectors, including real estate and agriculture, which have contributed to his financial growth. His ability to navigate both political and business landscapes has earned him respect among peers and followers in Tamil Nadu.
In the 2019 Indian general election, AIADMK under the leadership of Palaniswami, contested in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and won only a single seat. In 2019, Palaniswami launched the Yaadhum Oore programme aimed at garnering foreign investment in the state.
He visited United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates to promote the same. His administration created new districts such as Tenkasi, Kallakurichi, Tirupattur, Ranipet and Chengalpattu in 2019, and Mayiladuthurai in 2020, by carving them out from existing districts.
After six decades of waiting by the people, Palaniswami laid the foundation stone for the ₹1,652-crore Athikadavu–Avinashi Groundwater Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme on 28 February 2019, and the project work commenced on 25 December that year.
Social Network
Edappadi K. Palaniswami maintains a visible presence on social media platforms, where he engages with constituents and shares updates about his political activities. His official accounts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook are used to communicate with the public and promote his initiatives. Palaniswami has over 1 million followers on Twitter, showcasing his popularity and influence among his supporters.
Born in 1954 in Salem district in the erstwhile Madras State, Palaniswami became an agriculturalist before entering into politics in 1974. Palaniswami has represented Edappadi since 2011 as Member of the Legislative Assembly, previously also serving from 1989 to 1996.
In the 1998 Indian general election he was elected as Member of Parliament of the Lok Sabha representing Tiruchengode. Post the 2011 assembly elections, he served as the minister of highways and minor ports in the Jayalalithaa cabinet. After 2016 assembly elections, he also served as the ministry of public works in the cabinet.
Education
Palaniswami completed his early education in his hometown and later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the Government College of Engineering in Tirunelveli. His educational background has played a significant role in shaping his approach to governance, especially in areas concerning infrastructure and technology in public services.
In March 2017, he introduced the Kudimaramaththu scheme for restoring minor irrigation tanks and lakes in the state. In response to the introduction of mandatory NEET exams starting in 2017, Palaniswami government formed a high-level committee led by M. Anandakrishnan in May that year to reform the Tamil Nadu school education system.
The school textbook syllabus and exam pattern for classes 1 to 12 were revised on par with CBSE standards in phases, starting from the 2018–19 academic year, to better prepare students for competitive exams.
In May 2018, police opened fire on protests against a copper plant owned by Vedanta that was allegedly polluting groundwater in Thoothukudi, killing 13 people. While the act was later termed as "self-defence" by a one-man commission, the Government of Tamil Nadu ordered the permanent closure of the plant on 28 May 2018.