National News / Politics
Why L Murugan Resigned: Union Minister Quits to Focus on Tamil Nadu
Union Minister of State L. Murugan has stepped down from the Union Council of Ministers and the Rajya Sabha, saying he will return to grassroots political work in Tamil Nadu.
Union Minister of State L. Murugan has stepped down from the Union Council of Ministers and resigned his seat in the Rajya Sabha. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader communicated his decision in a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he intends to return to grassroots political work in Tamil Nadu.
The dual exit from both central executive office and the Upper House of Parliament marks a notable shift in the BJP’s organisational positioning in southern India.
- WHOL. Murugan, BJP
- OFFICES QUITUnion MoS and Rajya Sabha seat
- LETTER ADDRESSED TOPM Narendra Modi
- STATUSFormal acceptance awaited
What Happened?
L. Murugan submitted his formal resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting relief from his ministerial responsibilities as well as his parliamentary seat. According to national news reports, including Dainik Bhaskar, Murugan sent a detailed five-page letter outlining his perspective and his intention to concentrate on party organisation.
The resignation means Murugan vacates his portfolio as Union Minister of State and relinquishes his position in the Rajya Sabha, opening both a ministerial vacancy at the Centre and a parliamentary seat.
Why Did L. Murugan Resign?
The primary reason cited across official party circles and media reports is Murugan’s plan to refocus his efforts on ground-level party building in Tamil Nadu.
In Indian politics, “grassroots work” refers to working directly with local voters, booth-level workers, and constituency committees rather than managing policy from New Delhi.
Having previously served as the president of the Tamil Nadu BJP state unit, Murugan indicated a preference to work directly in the state to strengthen the party's presence ahead of upcoming political contests.
Understanding the Terms: Minister of State vs Rajya Sabha MP
For readers unfamiliar with parliamentary and government structures:
- Union Minister of State (MoS): A junior minister in the Central Government who assists a Cabinet Minister in running a specific ministry or oversees independent charges.
- Rajya Sabha: The Council of States, or the Upper House of India’s Parliament, where members are elected by state legislative assemblies rather than through direct public voting. Resigning a Rajya Sabha seat requires submitting a formal resignation letter to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
What Is Confirmed So Far?
- Dual Resignation: Murugan has submitted his resignation from both the Union Ministry and the Rajya Sabha.
- Stated Objective: The leader’s stated goal is to work full-time on strengthening the BJP organisation in Tamil Nadu.
- Official Communication: A detailed letter explaining his decision was sent directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Political Background and Context
L. Murugan served as Tamil Nadu BJP president before being inducted into the Union Council of Ministers and subsequently elected to the Rajya Sabha. During his tenure as state party chief, he led high-profile campaigns such as the “Vetrivel Yatra” to raise the party's profile across districts in Tamil Nadu. His subsequent elevation to the Union Ministry was viewed as recognition of his organisational work in the state.
What Happens Next?
- Formal Acceptance: The resignation from the Union Council of Ministers requires formal acceptance by President Droupadi Murmu on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Parliamentary Notification: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha must accept the seat resignation before the seat is officially declared vacant by the Secretariat.
- Party Assignment: The BJP central leadership has not yet announced whether Murugan will receive an official state-level leadership designation in Tamil Nadu or operate as an organisational campaign leader.
Key Takeaways
- L. Murugan has stepped down as Union Minister of State and Rajya Sabha MP.
- He submitted a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining his choice.
- The stated objective is to focus entirely on grassroots party building in Tamil Nadu.
- Official notifications regarding cabinet acceptance and parliamentary vacancy are awaited.
Sources & References
- The Times of India
Reports L. Murugan writing to PM Modi seeking exit from Union Cabinet to return to grassroots work.
- The New Indian Express
Details Murugan’s dual exit as Union MoS and Rajya Sabha member to strengthen the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
- Aaj Tak
Confirms the resignation letter sent to the Prime Minister detailing his decision.
- Dainik Bhaskar
Confirms the five-page resignation communication submitted to PM Modi.
- The Telegraph India
Outlines political context and state-level focus behind the decision.



