T. R. B. Rajaa

Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu Rajaa , better known as Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa is an Indian Tamil politician. He was the Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce in the Government of Tamil Nadu since 2023, having won the 2011, 2016 and the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections representing DMK in Mannargudi. He also holds the position of the party's IT Wing Secretary.

Education He did his schooling at Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School. He graduated from the University of Madras with a Masters in Psychology. He successfully defended his research thesis and was awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling Psychology and Management (Inter-Disciplinary) from Vels University.

Personal life Rajaa was born on 12 July 1976 in Chennai to T.R.Baalu and Renuka Devi. During his birth, his father was serving his term under the MISA Act. Renuka recalls showing the new born to her husband in Madras Central Prison from a bridge nearby.

He is married to Sharmila, the daughter of Educationist Leo Muthu in April 2005. The couple has a Son and a Daughter. Both of them are National and International Level Sports Trap Shooters respectively.

Political career

Rajaa has been elected thrice to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Mannargudi. He was appointed the first secretary of the DMK's NRI Wing in 2021 and then as second Secretary of the DMK's IT Wing after former secretary PTR, had resigned from the post in 2022. After DMK came back to power in 2021, Rajaa was appointed a member in the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission and as the Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Estimates by the CM Thiru. M K Stalin.

T.R.B.Rajaa was sworn-in as the Minister for Industries and Investment Promotions and Commerce in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet on 11 May 2023.

He contested 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election in Mannarkudi Assembly constituency as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate and lost the election to Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam party candidate.

Offices held/holding Secretary of DMK IT Wing: 2022–present Member of DMK Executive Committee: 2023-present MLA from Mannargudi: May 2011– May 2026 Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce in Government of Tamil Nadu: 11 May 2023- 4 May 2026 Member of DMK Elections Manifesto Committee: For the 2024 Election Substitute Speaker of the TN Legislative Assembly: 2021–2023 Member of Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission: 2021–2023 Chairman of TN Legislative Estimates Committee: 2021–2023 Secretary of DMK NRI Wing: 2021–2022 Member of TN Public Accounts Committee: 2012–13; 2019–21; 2021-2023 (as ex-officio) Senate Member of Tamil University: 2019-2021 Member of TN Public Undertakings Committee: 2012-13; 2015–16 Member of TN Estimates Committee: 2011-12; 2014–15; 2021-2023 (as Chairman) Senate Member of Madras University: 2011-13 Chairman of Kings College of Engineering-Pudukkottai: 2003-10

Elections contested Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections: Election Constituency Party Result Vote % Opposition Candidate Opposition Party Opposition vote %2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly electionMannargudi DMKLost34.44%S. KamarajAMMK35.25% 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election Mannargudi DMK Won 45.34% Siva. Rajamanickam AIADMK 25.89% 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election Mannargudi DMK Won 48.71% S. Kamaraj AIADMK 43.40% 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election Mannargudi DMK Won 48.93% Siva. Rajamanickam AIADMK 46.54%