L Murugan Resigns As Union Minister, Says He Wants To Strengthen BJP In Tamil Nadu

Union Minister of State L Murugan on Tuesday stepped down from the Union cabinet and his membership of the Rajya Sabha, claiming he wanted to dedicate more time to uniting the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2029 in Tamil Nadu.

Murugan, who was also the Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs minister, had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter for his removal as minister and that he be permitted to give up his Upper House membership.

The resignation is coming at a time when there were speculations that Union Cabinet may be reshuffled but no official announcement has been made on the timing of the Cabinet reshuffle.

Murugan wants to concentrate on Tamil Nadu BJP

In his interview, Murugan said that he chose to come back to Tamil Nadu to consolidate the party at the grassroots and broaden its political influence throughout the state.

“I do not come from a political family. I come from a very poor family,” he wrote, noting that his parents could never have imagined their son serving in the Union government.

Murugan said the Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu had put an extra spanner in the works and further strengthened his resolve to make more efforts in the state. Modi has cited the excitement and love he enjoys from people as a testament to the opportunities for BJP.

Murugan has said in his letter that he would visit villages and go to the streets of Tamil Nadu, engage people and party workers and work towards strengthening the electoral clout of the BJP.

He has said that his aim is to help the party gain more Lok Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu in 2029 and increase its presence in the country.

Thanks PM Modi For Five Years In Government

Murugan said that his five years in the Union government was a great honour and expressed gratitude to Modi and the BJP leadership for giving chances and opportunities to grassroots workers to hold high positions.

Speaking of his humble origin, Murugan said that he was born in Kuser village in Tamil Nadu and was from a not so affluent family and lacked any political antecedents. His parents were labourers who grazed cattle by day's work.

His parents never thought he would serve in the Union government, he come from a very poor family, he do not come from a political family, he wrote.

Murugan claimed his membership of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in college and later served almost three decades with the student body and BJP.

He had a political history of being vice-chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and been a member of the Rajya Sabha. In July 2021, he was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers.

Recognizes and acknowledges the efforts made by Tamil Nadu Welfare And Cultural Initiatives.

Murugan also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his efforts in Tamil Nadu, particularly the welfare of fishermen, and the protection of Tamilians caught in conflict areas.

He mentioned infrastructure projects and activities in the field of Tamil culture as instances of the Centre's interaction with the state.

Murugan singled out specific measures like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the installation of Sengol in Parliament, which have helped to make the Tamil heritage more visible.

He said that he wanted to speak to the masses of the state of Tamil Nadu on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and simultaneously consolidation of the BJP's organisational structure.

The BJP is looking forward to the Lok Sabha polls of 2029

Murugan's move reflects his focus on the BJP's growth in Tamil Nadu for the next general elections.

The party has aimed to make a stronger political mark in the state, which is dominated by regional parties.

Murugan was referring to Modi's recent visit, saying his hopes in the BJP's promise to deliver more in the state had been reinforced by the public reaction which he observed.

The love and hope I saw in my last visit has made me feel that we can achieve much more in Tamil Nadu, he added.

His resignation is coming at a time when there was a speculations of Cabinet reshuffle as he has mainly cited that he has to concentrate on party-building and election preparations in Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

[email protected]

Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

Read More