NEW DELHI: Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Suresh Gopi ignited a controversy by suggesting that the tribal affairs portfolio should be managed by individuals from the “upper castes.”
Addressing a BJP election campaign event in New Delhi on Sunday, the actor-turned-politician contended that meaningful progress in tribal welfare could only be realized if the ministry was led by leaders from “upper castes”, according to a PTI report.
“It’s a curse of our country that only a person from the tribal community can be made the minister for tribal affairs,” said Gopi, who also holds the tourism portfolio. “It is my dream and expectation that someone from outside the tribal community should be appointed for their welfare. Let a Brahmin or a Naidu take charge—there would be significant change. Likewise, tribal leaders should be given the portfolio for the welfare of forward communities.”
He further said that such a change should occur within the democratic system and revealed that he had personally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate the tribal affairs ministry to him. However, he acknowledged that “certain precedents” governed portfolio allocations.
Currently, BJP leader Jual Oram, a well-known tribal leader from Odisha, heads the ministry of tribal affairs in the Modi-led cabinet.
Gopi’s remarks have drawn strong criticism across Kerala, particularly from opposition parties and tribal leaders. CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam condemned the minister’s statements, labeling him a “piper of the chaturvarna” (caste system) and demanding his removal from the Union ministry.
Viswam also called for the resignation of union minister of state George Kurian, accusing him of undermining federal principles and insulting Kerala. Kurian had earlier suggested that Kerala should declare itself backward in education, infrastructure, and social welfare to receive more funds from the Centre.
“These two ministers are living examples of the challenges facing the Indian Constitution under the RSS-led BJP regime,” Viswam said, urging the President, as the custodian of the Constitution, to take the matter seriously. He also demanded that the BJP clarify its stance on what he termed as anti-tribal and anti-Kerala statements by the ministers.
Prominent tribal leader CK Janu also denounced Gopi’s comments, calling them “low-class” and reflective of his lack of understanding of tribal issues.