George Kurian Resigns As Union Minister; Here's Why The BJP Leader Stepped Down

Amid the ongoing indefinite protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET controversy, another resignation from the Union Council of Ministers has drawn attention.

Veteran BJP leader George Kurian stepped down as Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries on Tuesday following the completion of his Rajya Sabha tenure. While the two developments are unrelated, Kurian's exit has sparked curiosity about his political journey and the reasons behind his resignation.

George Kurian Resigns From Union Cabinet

In an official statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan announced that President Droupadi Murmu had accepted George Kurian's resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kurian was serving as the Minister of State for Minority Affairs and the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of George Kurian from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect: Rashtrapati Bhavan

(file pic of George Kurian) pic.twitter.com/crXXDH0w7k

— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2026

His resignation comes after the completion of his tenure in the Rajya Sabha, which made him ineligible to continue as a minister without being re-elected or renominated to Parliament.

Who Is George Kurian?

George Kurian is a senior BJP leader from Kerala who has been associated with the party since its inception in 1980.

Apart from politics, he has also built a career in law and has practised as an advocate in the Supreme Court of India. Over the years, Kurian has held several important positions within the government and party organisation. His experience in both politics and public administration made him a prominent figure within the BJP, especially in Kerala.

\Early Life And Education

According to information available on the Ministry of Minority Affairs website, George Kurian was born on September 20, 1960, in Nambiakulam under Ettumanoor Municipality in Kerala's Kottayam district.

He completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing higher education in law. He later obtained both graduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject.
His legal background played an important role in shaping his public and political career.

Long Association With Public Service

Before becoming a Union Minister, Kurian served in several key positions.
He was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, where he worked on issues related to minority welfare and representation.

He also served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Union Minister of State for Railways O Rajagopal.

These assignments helped him gain experience in governance and policy-making long before he entered the Union Cabinet.

Ministerial Tenure In Modi Government

George Kurian took oath as Union Minister of State on June 9, 2024, following the formation of the Modi government's third term.

Two days later, he assumed charge of the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

As Minister of State, he was involved in various initiatives related to minority welfare, fisheries development and animal husbandry.
His tenure in the government lasted until the completion of his Rajya Sabha term.

Why Did He Resign?

Kurian's resignation is linked to the expiry of his Rajya Sabha membership.
Since he was not renominated to the Upper House, he could no longer continue as a minister under constitutional provisions.

His departure from the Cabinet has sparked discussions about the BJP's future political strategy in Kerala and the party's representation from the state at the national level.

While his ministerial tenure has come to an end, political observers will be watching closely to see what role he takes up next within the party and public life.