‘Declare Kerala Backward’: Union Minister George Kurian’s Remark Draws Sharp Rebuke From CPI-M, Congress

Union Minister George Kurian's remark came after a strong criticism of the union budget 2025-26 by Kerala’s ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress.

File photo of Union Minister George Kurian.

Source : X

Union Minister George Kurian stated that Kerala should declare itself backward in education, infrastructure, and social welfare if it seeks additional funds from the Centre.

The remark from Kurian came after a strong criticism of the union budget 2025-26 by Kerala’s ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress. Leaders, accusing the central government of ignoring key demands, as reported by news agency PTI.

Reacting over the budget, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister K N Balagopal, and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan criticised the Union Budget for overlooking key state demands, including a Rs 24,000 crore financial package and rehabilitation funds for Wayanad.  

Describing the budget as "condemnable," "extremely disappointing," and "unfortunate," they accused the Centre of neglecting Kerala’s needs.

George Kurian Hits At Oppositions Response

In response, Union Minister George Kurian stated that such financial packages are allocated only to states classified as backward based on various developmental indices.

"You announce that Kerala is backward, that it does not have roads, good education, etc. If you say that Kerala is behind other states in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare, then the (Finance) Commission will examine it and give a report to the central government. The central government will make a decision based on the report. It does not decide on its own," he said.

Lashing out over Kurian's remarks, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan stated that the Centre wants to see Kerala as backward, "but that will not happen". He added that despite asking it to go backward, the central government should help Kerala develop further.

"So, George Kurian's help is for Kerala to go backward," he further added while speaking at an event in the state capital.