Rajya Sabha Bypoll Scheduled for November 12 Following Resignation of Union Minister L Murugan

The bypoll to the Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh, vacated following Union Minister of State (MoS) L Murugan’s resignation last week, will be held on November 12, the Election Commission announced on Thursday. Murugan resigned from the Council of Ministers and his Rajya Sabha seat on October 13, though his term was due to run until April 2030. According to the schedule, nominations can be filed from October 26 to November 2, with scrutiny set for November 3. Candidates can withdraw nominations until November 5. Polling will be held between 9 am and 4 pm on November 12, and counting of votes will begin at 5 pm the same day. The bypoll is expected to help the NDA retain its strength in the Rajya Sabha at a time when key Bills are likely to be introduced in Parliament. Murugan, who was the MoS for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, had expressed his desire to work for the BJP in his home state, Tamil Nadu, while resigning. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X on October 13, Murugan wrote: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve India and Tamil Nadu under your leadership. I do not come from a political family. I come from a very poor family. My parents, who worked as daily wage labourers and cattle grazers, continue to lead a simple life in Konur village. They could never have imagined that their son would one day serve in the Union Government.” Expressing gratitude for being a member of the Council of Ministers for the past five years, he said he wanted to “return to the grassroots”. He added: “With humility and a grateful heart, I therefore request you to relieve me of my responsibilities as Minister of State and permit me to relinquish my membership of the Rajya Sabha, so that I may dedicate myself full-time to strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu.” Murugan’s sudden exit has sparked speculation of a reshuffle of the Council of Ministers.