New Delhi, October 13: Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, has announced his decision to step down from the Union Council of Ministers and relinquish his membership of the Rajya Sabha, citing his intention to devote himself entirely to strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across Tamil Nadu.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Murugan expressed his desire to work directly with party workers and expand the BJP’s organisational presence throughout the state, with particular attention to preparations for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Murugan Seeks Full-Time Role in Party Organisation
Explaining his decision, Murugan said he wanted to reach people at the grassroots level, visit villages and neighbourhoods, and work closely with party workers to strengthen the organisation.
He stated that his decision was driven by a desire to dedicate his time and energy to the party’s expansion in Tamil Nadu and take its message to every household.
“With humility and a grateful heart,” Murugan requested the Prime Minister to relieve him of his ministerial responsibilities and allow him to relinquish his Rajya Sabha membership so that he could concentrate on organisational activities in the state.
Expresses Gratitude to PM Modi and BJP Leadership
Reflecting on his political journey, Murugan recalled his humble beginnings in Konur village, where his parents worked as daily-wage labourers and cattle grazers. He expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership and Prime Minister Modi for the opportunities and responsibilities entrusted to him during his nearly three-decade association with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the BJP.
Murugan also looked back on his five-year tenure in the Union Council of Ministers, acknowledging the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country.
In his letter, he invoked the teachings of the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar while describing the qualities of leadership he associated with the Prime Minister, including generosity, compassion, justice and concern for the people.
Highlights Development Initiatives in Tamil Nadu
The outgoing minister referred to several infrastructure and development initiatives undertaken in Tamil Nadu, including the Chennai Metro project, the expansion of Tuticorin Port and the redevelopment of 26 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
He also highlighted the importance of Tamil language and culture, referring to Prime Minister Modi’s participation in Pongal celebrations at his residence and his reference to the celebrated Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar’s message, “Yaadhum Oore, Yaavarum Kelir,” at the United Nations.
The phrase, which conveys the idea that the world is one family and all people are connected, represents a prominent theme in Tamil philosophical and cultural tradition.
Plans Grassroots Outreach Across Tamil Nadu
Murugan said his next phase of political work would involve extensive grassroots engagement, with visits to villages and streets and direct interaction with party workers and residents.
He emphasised his intention to strengthen the BJP’s organisational network across Tamil Nadu and communicate the party’s stated development agenda to people at the local level.
He also reiterated his commitment to the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”, describing it as part of the broader vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
Murugan’s stated decision marks a proposed shift from his ministerial responsibilities towards full-time party organisation in Tamil Nadu, where he intends to focus on expanding the BJP’s grassroots presence ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections.
