Karunanidhi was first elected to the Tamil Nadu assembly in 1957. He became the DMK treasurer in 1961 and deputy leader of opposition in 1962 and when the DMK came to power in 1967, he became the minister for public works. When Annadurai died in 1969. Karunanidhi became the Chief Minister. He has held various positions in the Tamil political scene.

MLA
  • 1957:Elected from Kulithalai
  • 1962:Elected from Thanjavur
  • 1967:Elected from Saidapet
  • 1971:Reelected from Saidapet
  • 1977:Elected from Anna Nagar
  • 1980:Reelected from Anna Nagar
  • 1989:Elected from Harbour
  • 1991:Reelected from Harbour
  • 1996:Elected from Chepauk
  • 2001:Reelected from Chepauk
  • 2006:Reelected from Chepauk
Posts in Legislature
  • 1962-1967:Deputy Leader of the Opposition
  • 1967-1969:Cabinet Minister for Public Works
  • 1977-1980:Leader of the Opposition
  • 1980-1983: Leader of the Opposition
  • 1984:Elected to Legislative Council
Chief Minister
  • 1969-1971:Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
  • 1971-1976:Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
  • 1989-1991:Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
  • 1996-2001:Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
  • 2006:is currently the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu