President Droupadi Murmu has accepted L Murugan's resignation from the Union government with immediate effect, removing him as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs. The decision was taken on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to information issued by the President's office on Thursday.

Murugan had written to Modi on Tuesday, seeking to leave the ministerial position and return to Tamil Nadu. His stated aim was to work on strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state. He has also expressed a desire to give up his Rajya Sabha membership.

Why Murugan resigned

Murugan's resignation shifts his immediate political focus from his ministerial responsibilities in the Union government to party work in Tamil Nadu. The source material does not specify when any decision on his Rajya Sabha membership will be completed.

His departure comes as speculation continues about a reshuffle of Modi's council of ministers. The resignation also adds to the number of ministers who have left ministerial positions in the Union government.

Before Murugan, George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu had also resigned from ministerial s. They left after the BJP did not renominate them for Rajya Sabha elections. Kurian and Bittu were not renominated in June and July respectively.

Murugan's Rajya Sabha record

Murugan became a Rajya Sabha member in September 2021. In April 2024, he was re-elected to the Upper House from Madhya Pradesh. His term is scheduled to continue until April 2030.

Despite that remaining term, Murugan has indicated that he wants to surrender his Rajya Sabha membership. The acceptance of his ministerial resignation does not, in the supplied information, confirm that his parliamentary resignation has also been accepted.

What the official decision says

The President's office said Murugan's resignation was accepted immediately on the Prime Minister's advice. The decision was made under Article 75, section (2), of the Constitution.

The announcement confirms the end of Murugan's tenure as Minister of State in the two ministries. It does not provide details about a replacement or announce any broader change in the Union council of ministers.

Conclusion

Murugan has left the Union ministry to focus on strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu, while his stated wish to leave the Rajya Sabha remains a separate matter. His resignation has also intensified attention on possible changes in the Modi council of ministers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What positions did L Murugan hold?

Murugan was Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs.

Q. Who accepted Murugan's resignation?

President Droupadi Murmu accepted it on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Q. Why did Murugan resign?

He wanted to return to Tamil Nadu and work to strengthen the BJP there.

Q. Has Murugan also left the Rajya Sabha?

He has expressed a desire to leave the Rajya Sabha, but the supplied information does not say that his parliamentary resignation has been accepted.

Q. When did Murugan become a Rajya Sabha member?

He became a Rajya Sabha member in September 2021 and was re-elected from Madhya Pradesh in April 2024.

Q. When is Murugan's Rajya Sabha term due to end?

His term is scheduled to continue until April 2030.

Q. What constitutional provision was cited for accepting the resignation?

The President's office cited Article 75, section (2), of the Constitution.