Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP leaders have stepped up efforts to secure a Union ministerial berth and a Governor’s post, according to party sources.
Former Union Minister of State L Murugan has resigned from his ministerial position. He has also stepped down as a Rajya Sabha MP elected from Madhya Pradesh, though his term was set to run until April 2, 2030.
With a Union Cabinet expansion expected soon, sources said a Tamil Nadu BJP leader could be given the ministerial post in Murugan’s place. The person is also expected to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, they added.
Party sources noted that Tamil Nadu leaders Il Ganesan, Tamilisai and C P Radhakrishnan had served as Governors at the same time earlier, but there is currently no Governor from the state. With Radhakrishnan having become Vice President, a senior Tamil Nadu BJP leader is said to be in line for a Governor appointment.
According to party insiders, leaders including Nainar Nagendran, Vanathi, Tamilisai and national secretary Venkatesan are seeking the Union minister post, while former Union MoS Pon Radhakrishnan and former national secretary H Raja are among those pursuing a Governor role. A party functionary said some leaders have approached BJP in-charges and senior national leaders, requesting recommendations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
