Rajya Sabha Bypoll on November 12 After L Murugan Resigns; Modi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz Grows

The Election Commission of India has scheduled a by-election for the vacant Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha seat on November 12 following Union Minister L. Murugan’s resignation, amid speculation over the Delimitation Amendment Bill and a possible reshuffle of the Modi Cabinet. The nomination process will begin on October 26, while voting and counting will take place on November 12.

Why L Murugan Resigned Despite His Term Running Until 2030

Murugan, a Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh since 2021, was re-elected in 2024, with his term due to end in 2030. He resigned to focus on strengthening the BJP’s organisation in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He reportedly said he had requested the Prime Minister to relieve him of his ministerial responsibilities and Rajya Sabha membership so he could work at the grassroots level across villages and streets in the state.

The BJP is well placed to win the vacant seat, with 163 MLAs in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly. The party’s numerical strength gives it a clear advantage in the election, with attention now turning to its choice of candidate. Murugan’s resignation has also fuelled speculation about possible changes in the Union Cabinet, although no reshuffle has been officially announced.

Delimitation Bill Fuels Speculation Over BJP-DMK Talks

Political discussions have intensified over the possible introduction of the Delimitation Amendment Bill in Parliament. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said the government wants the Bill passed unanimously and wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on March 16, March 26 and April 12, besides discussing the issue with Rahul Gandhi during the parliamentary session. Sources have also indicated that the BJP is seeking issue-based support from the DMK to address concerns among southern states that delimitation and women’s reservation could affect their parliamentary representation.

The reported outreach to the DMK comes amid continuing debate over the political implications of delimitation in southern India. The BJP reportedly wants to reassure southern states that the proposed changes will not reduce their representation. The DMK’s potential support has therefore become a subject of political speculation as discussions around the Bill continue.

Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation Intensifies

Murugan’s resignation is the third reported instance of a Minister of State stepping down from the Council of Ministers. George Kurien resigned in June, followed by Ravneet Singh Bittu in July. Meanwhile, Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and B.L. Verma, both from Uttar Pradesh, were not given Rajya Sabha tickets again but continued to serve in the Union Cabinet. The developments have intensified speculation over a possible ministerial reshuffle, while the recent Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections saw all 10 candidates elected unopposed, with the BJP winning eight seats and the Samajwadi Party securing two.