New Delhi: Veteran BJP leader George Kurian has resigned as Union Minister of State, bringing an end to his short tenure in the Modi government. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with immediate effect.
Kurian stepped down after the completion of his six-year Rajya Sabha term, which ended on June 21. The BJP decided not to renominate him to the Upper House, making his continuation in the Council of Ministers untenable under constitutional norms that require ministers to be lawmakers.
Known for his low public profile, Kurian was one of the least visible and non-controversial members of the cabinet. He rarely made headlines or took aggressive public stands, preferring a quiet and steady approach to his duties. A loyal party worker rather than a high-profile politician, he focused more on organisational tasks than on proactive ministerial initiatives.
Born on September 20, 1960, in Kurumulloor near Kottayam, Kerala, the 65-year-old lawyer has been with the BJP since its formation in 1980. He has held several important positions in the party, including vice-president of the Kerala unit, state general secretary, national secretary of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha, and member of the national executive. Kurian also served as Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities and practised law in the Supreme Court.
His induction into the Union cabinet in June 2024 was viewed as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen ties with the Christian community in Kerala. As the lone Christian face in the Modi ministry, he often helped bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. He was frequently seen translating speeches of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah into Malayalam during their visits to the state.
In a heartfelt Facebook post after his resignation, Kurian expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister. “Only because of PM Modi I became Union minister,” he wrote. He had personally submitted his resignation to Modi on June 22. Party sources indicate that Kurian will now take up organisational responsibilities for the BJP in Kerala.
Though his ministerial stint was brief — lasting just two years — Kurian’s long journey in the BJP highlights the value the party places on loyalty and grassroots work. His exit has triggered speculation about a possible larger cabinet reshuffle in the coming days, though no official confirmation has come from the government.
With his departure, the Modi cabinet loses a dependable, low-key leader who embodied quiet dedication over political flamboyance.
