George Kurian, a prominent BJP leader from Kerala, has stepped down from his position in the Union Council of Ministers. His resignation comes after the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha tenure, and the party's decision not to renominate him for another term in the Upper House of Parliament.
Kurian, who joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third government in June 2024, held significant portfolios as Minister of State. These included Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. His resignation was formally accepted by the President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, in accordance with Article 75 (2) of the Constitution.
Rajya Sabha Tenure Concludes
Kurian's path to Parliament began in August 2024 when he was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in a bypoll. This seat had become vacant after Jyotiraditya Scindia was elected to the Lok Sabha. However, Kurian's election was specifically for the remainder of Scindia's term, which concluded in June 2026.
With his term ending, Kurian's name was notably absent from the BJP's list of candidates for the most recent Rajya Sabha elections. The party instead nominated other individuals from Madhya Pradesh, leaving Kurian without a seat in either House of Parliament. While constitutional provisions allow a minister to remain in office for up to six consecutive months without parliamentary membership, Kurian chose to resign immediately after his term expired.
A Long Political Career
Born on September 20, 1960, in Kerala’s Kottayam district, George Kurian, now 65, has been a dedicated member of the Bharatiya Janata Party since its inception in 1980. Throughout his extensive career, he has held various organizational positions within the party, playing a key role in the BJP's efforts to expand its influence among Kerala’s Christian and other minority communities.
Before his ministerial appointment, Kurian pursued a career in law, practicing as an advocate in the Supreme Court. He also served as the vice-chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, further solidifying his experience in public service and minority affairs. His induction into the Modi government on June 9, 2024, despite not initially being a Member of Parliament, underscored his importance to the party, with his subsequent election to the Rajya Sabha fulfilling the constitutional requirement for his ministerial role.