Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader George Kurian has resigned as Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries after the completion of his Rajya Sabha tenure. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation with immediate effect, according to a statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The development marks the end of Kurian's tenure in the Union Council of Ministers, where he had been serving since June 2024 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office.
President accepts resignation
In an official statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan said the President had accepted George Kurian's resignation on the advice of the Prime Minister under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.
Kurian's Rajya Sabha term expired on June 21, making it necessary for him to vacate his ministerial position. The resignation comes shortly after the latest Rajya Sabha elections, in which he was not renominated.
A BJP veteran since the party's formation
George Kurian is among the BJP's long-serving leaders and has been associated with the party since its formation in 1980.
Apart from his political career, he has practised as an advocate at the Supreme Court of India and has held several organisational and administrative roles over the years.
X/ George Kurian Born on September 20, 1960, in Nambiakulam in Kerala's Kottayam district, Kurian completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing higher studies in law. He subsequently earned both graduation and postgraduate degrees in the field.
Journey in public service
Before joining the Union Cabinet, Kurian served as the Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He also worked as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Union Minister of State for Railways O Rajagopal.
Following the formation of the Modi government in June 2024, Kurian was sworn in as Minister of State and was assigned responsibilities in the Ministry of Minority Affairs as well as the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
He officially assumed charge of the ministries on June 11, 2024.
Political significance
Kurian's resignation follows the completion of his six-year Rajya Sabha tenure. His departure from the Union Council of Ministers comes at a time when the BJP is reviewing its representation and organisational strategy in several states.
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While no replacement has been officially announced, the move has attracted attention given Kurian's long association with the party and his role in representing Kerala within the BJP's national leadership structure.
For now, the veteran leader's ministerial innings comes to an end after serving in the Modi government for nearly two years.
FAQs
Q1. Why did George Kurian resign as Union Minister?
George Kurian resigned after the expiry of his Rajya Sabha term on June 21, 2026. Since he was not renominated, he had to step down from his ministerial position.
Q2. What ministries did George Kurian handle in the Union government?
George Kurian served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying after joining the Union Cabinet in June 2024.
