Union Minister L. Murugan Steps Down to Focus on BJP’s Grassroots Expansion in Tamil Nadu

Amid speculation surrounding a cabinet reshuffle, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan has tendered his resignation from the Union Council of Ministers and announced his decision to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat. In a detailed letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Murugan outlined his plan to dedicate himself fully to strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Shift to Grassroots Politics

Murugan stated that serving in the Union Government for five years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership was the highest honor of his life. He noted that he now wishes to return to direct organizational work in his home state:

• State Priority: Building a stronger party base across Tamil Nadu’s villages and urban constituencies.
• Long-Term Objective: Preparing organizational machinery for the 2029 general elections to increase the party’s seat share in the state.
• Public Outreach: Taking the central vision of inclusive development directly to households across Tamil Nadu.

Following the development, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju met with Dr. Murugan at his New Delhi residence, commending his dedication and acknowledging his humble beginnings and contribution to the government.

From a Daily Wage Worker’s Family to the Union Cabinet

Reflecting on his journey, Murugan shared that he comes from a non-political background in Konur village, Tamil Nadu, where his parents worked as daily wage earners and grazed livestock. His family continues to maintain a modest lifestyle in the village.

He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership and the party’s cadre-centric culture for giving opportunities to grassroots workers. Having started his public life with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his college years, Murugan noted that three decades of his sociopolitical journey have adhered to the principle of “Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.”

Legislative and Ministerial Track Record

Prior to his ministerial tenure, Dr. Murugan served as the Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Over the past five years, he served two terms in the Rajya Sabha and handled key portfolios:

• Information and Broadcasting
• Parliamentary Affairs
• Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying

In his letter, Murugan highlighted the infrastructure projects undertaken by the Centre for Tamil Nadu, citing the expansion of the Chennai Metro, development of the Tuticorin Port, highway expansions, and the modernization of 26 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, alongside interventions ensuring the safety of Indian fishermen.

Murugan concluded that while his request to step down from ministerial duties and parliament has been submitted, official confirmation regarding the acceptance of the resignation is awaited.