In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, Minister of State L Murugan, who held the Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios, requested to be relieved of his ministerial responsibilities and permitted to relinquish his Rajya Sabha membership.
L Murugan and PM Modi. (Photo: PIB)
New Delhi,Oct 13, 2026 18:45 IST
Union Minister of State L Murugan on Tuesday resigned from the Narendra Modi-led government and as a Rajya Sabha member, saying he wants to devote his full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu and preparing the party for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, Murugan, who held the Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios, requested to be relieved of his ministerial responsibilities and permitted to relinquish his Rajya Sabha membership.
Explaining his decision, Murugan said, "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 PM Modi's recent visit to Tamil Nadu had reinforced his decision, pointing to the enthusiasm and affection the Prime Minister received from people.
"Therefore, I thought I should go there and work more extensively to strengthen our party. I requested the Prime Minister to relieve me of my ministerial responsibilities and send me to the state to strengthen the party," Murugan said.
In his letter, Murugan said he wanted to visit villages and streets across Tamil Nadu, meet people and party workers, and expand the BJP's presence across the state. He said he hoped to help the party secure a stronger contribution of seats from Tamil Nadu in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The move comes amid speculation about a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle, though no official date has been announced.
MURUGAN THANKS PM MODI FOR OPPORTUNITY
Murugan described his five years in the Union government as a major honour, crediting the BJP leadership with giving opportunities to grassroots workers.
He recalled his journey from a poor family in Kuser village in Tamil Nadu. 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, adding that his parents could never have imagined their son serving in the Union government.
Murugan said he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during college and had spent nearly three decades in the ABVP and BJP. His roles have included vice-chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and membership of the Rajya Sabha. He joined the Union Council of Ministers in July 2021.
In his letter, he also thanked PM Modi for his support on issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the welfare of fishermen and the safety of Tamilians stranded in conflict zones. He cited infrastructure projects and initiatives promoting Tamil culture as examples of the Centre's engagement with the state.
'WANT TO WIN MORE SEATS FOR BJP IN TN'
Murugan also highlighted initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the installation of the Sengol in Parliament, saying they had given Tamil heritage greater recognition.
Murugan said he wanted to carry the message of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' to people across Tamil Nadu and strengthen the BJP at the grassroots.
He said his aim was to help the BJP prepare for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and contribute more seats from Tamil Nadu to the party's national tally.
"The love and hope I witnessed during your (PM Modi) recent visit have strengthened my conviction that there is much more we can achieve in Tamil Nadu," he further said.
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