Union Minister Suresh Gopi has sparked controversy with his remarks on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, suggesting that "upper caste" individuals should be given charge of the portfolio for better governance. Gopi, who currently serves as Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, revealed that he had personally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate the Tribal Affairs Ministry to him. He argued that tribal welfare would see a “significant change” if a Brahmin or a Naidu were appointed as the minister, rather than exclusively leaders from tribal communities. His statement, reported by PTI, described it as a "curse of our country" that only tribal individuals are considered for the post, further suggesting that tribal leaders should be given responsibilities in ministries related to forward communities as well.
Gopi's remarks triggered widespread criticism, particularly from opposition leaders in Kerala. Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Benoy Viswam condemned the statement, calling Gopi a "piper of the chaturvarna" (caste system) and demanding his removal from the Union cabinet. The backlash was particularly strong from tribal rights groups and opposition parties, who accused the BJP minister of undermining constitutional principles and reinforcing caste hierarchies.
Amid mounting criticism, Gopi issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were made with good intentions. He emphasized that he did not intend to label any community as superior or inferior but aimed to break conventional frameworks. "If my comment is not well received or if this explanation is unsatisfactory, I withdraw my remarks," he stated. He reiterated that his commitment to tribal welfare remains unchanged.
Currently, BJP leader Jual Oram, a prominent tribal leader from Odisha, heads the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the Modi government. His leadership aligns with the BJP’s longstanding practice of appointing tribal leaders to the post, a tradition Gopi appeared to challenge with his comments.
Gopi's remarks coincided with another controversy involving Union Minister of State George Kurian, who suggested that Kerala should declare itself backward in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare to secure more financial assistance from the Centre. Kurian’s statement was also met with sharp criticism, with CPI leader Benoy Viswam accusing him of disregarding federal principles and insulting Kerala. Viswam argued that such statements from Union ministers reflect the ideological challenges the Indian Constitution faces under the BJP-led government and urged the President to take note of the matter.
