Union Minister of State L Murugan resigned from the Union government on Tuesday, expressing his desire to focus on strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu and preparing the party for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Murugan, who held the Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios, requested to be relieved of his ministerial responsibilities and allowed to relinquish his Rajya Sabha membership.
Explaining his decision, Murugan said he wanted to return to Tamil Nadu to work more extensively for the party at the grassroots level.
“I have written a letter to PM Modi, expressing my desire to go to Tamil Nadu. I want to strengthen my party in the state and prepare the ground for the 2029 elections,” he said.
Murugan added that the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu, during which he witnessed strong public enthusiasm and affection, had further strengthened his resolve to work in the state.
He said he had requested Modi to relieve him of his ministerial duties so that he could concentrate on expanding the BJP’s organisational presence across Tamil Nadu.
In his letter, Murugan outlined his intention to visit villages and streets across the state, interact with residents and party workers, and strengthen the party’s grassroots network. He expressed hope that these efforts would help the BJP win more Lok Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu in 2029.
His resignation comes amid speculation about a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle, although no official date for such a change has been announced.
Murugan Thanks PM Modi for Opportunity
Reflecting on his five years in the Union government, Murugan described his ministerial tenure as a significant honour and thanked the BJP leadership for providing opportunities to grassroots workers.
He recalled his humble beginnings in Kuser village in Tamil Nadu, where his parents worked as daily-wage labourers and cattle grazers.
“I do not come from a political family. I come from a very poor family,” he wrote, noting that his parents could never have imagined that their son would one day serve in the Union government.
Murugan said he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his college years and had devoted nearly three decades to the ABVP and BJP. His political journey included serving as vice-chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and as a Rajya Sabha member before joining the Union Council of Ministers in July 2021.
He also thanked Modi for the Centre’s support on issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including fishermen’s welfare, the safety of Tamilians stranded in conflict zones, infrastructure development and initiatives promoting Tamil culture.
Focus on Winning More Seats in Tamil Nadu
Murugan highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the installation of the Sengol in Parliament, saying these efforts had helped give greater recognition to Tamil heritage and traditions.
He said he wanted to take the message of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas to people across Tamil Nadu and strengthen the BJP’s presence at the grassroots level.
Murugan reiterated that his priority was to prepare the party for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and help Tamil Nadu contribute more seats to the BJP’s national tally.
“The love and hope I witnessed during your recent visit have strengthened my conviction that there is much more we can achieve in Tamil Nadu,” he said in his letter to the Prime Minister.
His decision signals a renewed focus on the BJP’s organisational expansion in Tamil Nadu as the party looks to strengthen its electoral prospects ahead of the next general election.