L. Murugan’s resignation fuels speculation about Union Cabinet reshuffle
Union Minister of State L. Murugan has resigned from the Union Council of Ministers, reportedly seeking to devote more time to strengthening the BJP’s organisation in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
His resignation has prompted speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle at the Centre. It follows the departures of George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu, who left their ministerial positions in June and July, respectively, after the BJP decided against renominating them for Rajya Sabha seats.
Murugan has represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha since his re-election in April 2024, having first entered the Upper House in September 2021. His current parliamentary term is scheduled to end in April 2030.
The BJP also chose not to renominate Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri from Uttar Pradesh and Minister of State B. L. Verma in the latest Rajya Sabha elections. Both continue to serve in the Union government.
Similarly, Pankaj Chaudhary and Harsh Malhotra have retained their ministerial positions after taking charge as presidents of the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh and Delhi units, respectively.
In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Murugan described his five years in the Union government as a major privilege. He reflected on his journey from a family of daily-wage workers to holding ministerial office.
Murugan requested that he be relieved of his ministerial responsibilities and allowed to relinquish his Rajya Sabha membership so that he could concentrate fully on strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu.
His departure could mark a shift in the BJP’s organisational strategy in the state as the party prepares for its next major electoral challenges.