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Union Minister L Murugan Steps Down to Focus on Tamil Nadu BJP Ahead of 2029 Election

After five years in New Delhi, the veteran minister quit both his Union cabinet post and Rajya Sabha seat on Oct. 13, 2026, pledging to devote his energies to strengthening the BJP in his home state for the next general election.

Union Minister L Murugan Steps Down to Focus on Tamil Nadu BJP Ahead of 2029 Election
Author
Democracy News Live Desk
Date
13 Oct 2026
Read
2 min
A Letter to the Prime Minister

On October 13, 2026, L Murugan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a letter, he announced his resignation from the Union Ministry of State for Information and Broadcasting, Parliamentary Affairs, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and his decision to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat. He also expressed his wish to devote his full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu and preparing the party for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Coverage
From Shepherd’s Son to the Halls of Power

Murugan’s personal narrative reads like a modern Indian rags‑to‑riches story. He grew up as the son of daily‑wage laborers and shepherds, a background his parents could never have imagined would lead to a Union Ministry. He credited the BJP’s tradition of promoting grassroots workers and PM Modi’s leadership for his rise, describing his five years in the central government as a great honor.

Dr.L.Murugan
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It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve Bharat Mata and Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji. From the son of daily wage labourers to serving in the Union Council of Ministers under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has been the greatest privilege of my life. Now, I wish to return to the grassroots, stand with our karyakartas and dedicate myself full-time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Nation First. Party Next. Self Last. 🙏🇮🇳 @NitinNabin @blsanthosh

12:09 PM · 13 Oct 2026
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Five Years in the Centre

For half a decade, Murugan held a portfolio that spanned information and broadcasting, parliamentary affairs, and the agriculture‑linked sectors of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying. He served under Modi’s government for five years.

” Tamil Nadu, a southern state with a vibrant political culture, has historically been a battleground for regional parties.

The Dual Resignation

He resigned from both positions simultaneously. He had served two terms as a Rajya Sabha MP. He intends to devote his full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Express
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In his letter, Murugan said he wants to dedicate himself full time to strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu. https://t.co/c5TPn29MQ2 https://t.co/YdDnacbKFQ

7:30 PM · 13 Oct 2026
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A New Mission in Tamil Nadu

The core of Murugan’s letter reads, “Now I will devote my full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu and preparing the party for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.” Tamil Nadu, a southern state with a vibrant political culture, has historically been a battleground for regional parties. His experience in the central government, especially in media and parliamentary affairs, equips him with the tools to orchestrate a sophisticated state campaign.

The Road to 2029

India’s next general election is slated for 2029. The timeline suggests a long‑term strategy rather than a quick electoral sprint. It also aligns with the party’s broader ambition to expand its footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. Murugan’s background as a former Vice‑Chairman of the National Scheduled Castes Commission adds another layer: he can appeal to marginalized communities while leveraging his ministerial experience to address development concerns.

ANI
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#WATCH | Delhi: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan says, "The protest will continue till the CEC resigns... Delhi government has stated that the Jantar Mantar is not a place for protest. So we are focusing on Jantar Mantar only..." On Union Minister of State L Murugan resigning from his ministry and the Rajya Sabha, he says, "Just now I came to know that he resigned. I don't know what the reason behind it is. Maybe it's a party issue, so I can't comment on it."

2:40 PM · 13 Oct 2026
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What Comes Next?

Murugan’s resignation leaves a vacancy in the Ministry of State for Information and Broadcasting and in the Rajya Sabha. For observers, the move underscores a growing trend of national leaders redirecting their energies toward state politics, a dynamic that could reshape the balance of power in India’s federal system. As the 2029 election horizon draws nearer, Murugan’s gamble will be measured by the BJP’s performance in Tamil Nadu and by how effectively he can translate his central‑government experience into electoral success at the state level.

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