George Kurien Resigns from Union Council of Ministers Amid Political Changes
George Kurien's Resignation Accepted
George Kurien, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, has stepped down from his position. The resignation was promptly accepted by President Droupadi Murmu upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks the end of Kurien's tenure in Modi's third cabinet, having served for less than a year since joining the central government.
Official Announcement from the President's Office
An official statement from the President's office confirmed that Kurien's resignation was accepted based on the Prime Minister's advice. The statement noted, "The President of India has accepted the resignation of Mr. George Kurien from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, under Article 75(2) of the Constitution."
Background on George Kurien
At 65 years old, George Kurien had been serving as the Minister of State for Minority Affairs since August 2024 after joining the Modi cabinet. A senior leader of the BJP, he has been associated with the party since its inception in 1980, taking on various organizational roles over the years.
Challenges Following Rajya Sabha Tenure
His resignation comes after the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term, making it challenging for him to remain in ministerial office without being re-elected or nominated to Parliament.
Community and Political Involvement
George Kurien is a member of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, one of the largest Christian communities in Kerala. He has held several significant positions within the BJP, including State General Secretary, National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, and a member of the party's National Executive.
Previous Electoral Experience
In the 2016 Kerala Assembly elections, Kurien contested from the Puthuppally constituency but was defeated by then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Previously, he served as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for senior BJP leader O. Rajagopal during Rajagopal's tenure as a central minister in the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1999 to 2004.