Salem sources have stated that Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who was sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday, is only the second leader from Salem district to assume this coveted post since Independence. Late C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was the only other leader from Salem district to adorn the throne of Chief Minister ship of the state in the Independent India.
However leaders such as M. Karunanidhi, M. G. Ramachandran, V. N. Janaki and Jayalalitha, who had served as Chief Minister of the state on different occasions, had close contacts with Salem district due to their connection to the cinema field and the presence of many famous film production companies such as Modern Theatres in Salem city.
During the British regime, P. Subbarayan and Rajaji served as Chief Ministers of Madras Presidency. Late Subbarayan, a renowned freedom fighter, diplomat, Union Minister, was the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 1926-30. Subbarayan was the father of former Union Minister late Mohan Kumaramangalam.
Sources have stated that Palaniswami had won from the rural Edappadi Assembly constituency in 1989, 1991, 2011 and 2016 elections, suffering defeat in 2006 elections. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the now defunct Tiruchengode constituency in 1998 general elections.
