S. Keerthana

S. Keerthana (born 1996) is an Indian politician from Tamil Nadu. She is currently the Minister for Industries in Government of Tamil Nadu and a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district representing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. She was sworn in as the youngest minister in Vijay's cabinet on 10 May 2026.

Early life and education Keerthana was born in 1996 into a Gavara Naidu family in Kovilangulam village, near Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar district. She is the daughter of Sampath.

Keerthana became an MLA for the first time winning her debut 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Sivakasi Assembly constituency representing the TVK Party. She polled 68,809 votes and defeated her nearest rival, Ashokan G of the Indian National Congress, by a margin of 11,670 votes.

Elections Contested and Results ElectionsConstituencyResultVote %Opposition CandidateOpposition PartyOpposition vote %2026 Sivakasi 35.51% A. M. S. G. Ashokan INC 29.47%

Controversies After the victory in the 2026 election, she was in a spotlight when she spoke in Hindi during some public interactions but she defended herself and stated that her goal was to help a wider audience connect with Vijay’s message.

Keerthana faced criticism for using the Tamil term "Oonamutror" while referring to persons with disabilities during a media interaction. She later apologized for the remarks on 13 May 2026.

Keerthana faced criticism following the circulation of a video showing her smiling during a media interaction related to the Coimbatore child assault-murder. BJP leaders alleged that her conduct was insensitive and that she appeared dismissive while responding to questions on the killing.

During a visit to a government school near Sivakasi, a video of Keerthana interacting with students went viral. Opposition parties, including the DMK and BJP, accused her of publicly humiliating a young student over her English proficiency. Critics labeled her a "Reels Minister" and accused her of using schoolchildren as props for publicity. A DMK MP even wrote to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, alleging the unauthorized disclosure of a minor's identity.