‘Let Brahmin Take Charge’: Suresh Gopi Sparks Row With Tribal Affairs Remark, CPI Calls Him ‘Piper Of Chaturvarna’

Suresh Gopi claimed that real progress in tribal welfare could only be achieved if leaders from "upper castes" oversaw the ministry.

Representational Image | Union Minister Suresh Gopi sparked controversy by suggesting that the Tribal Affairs portfolio should be handled by "upper castes" for tribal welfare progress.

Source : Suresh gopi fb

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stirred controversy on Sunday by suggesting that the tribal affairs portfolio should be handled by the members of the "upper castes".

After facing backlash over the remarks, he later backtracked, claiming his statements were made with good intentions. "If my comment is not well received or if this explanation is unsatisfactory, I withdraw my remarks," he said, news agency PTI reported.

With his justifications, he clarified that he intended to finish discrimination."I did not label anyone as good or bad; my only aim was to break free from this framework," Gopi said. He also added that he was always in favour of the welfare of the tribal community.

While speaking at a BJP election campaign in New Delhi, the actor-turned-politician claimed that real progress in tribal welfare could only be achieved if leaders from "upper castes" oversaw the ministry. "It's a curse of our country that only a person from the tribal community can be made the minister for tribal affairs," Gopi said.

"It is my dream and expectation that someone from outside the tribal community should be appointed for their welfare. Let a Brahmin or a Naidu take charge—there would be significant change. Likewise, tribal leaders should be given the portfolio for the welfare of forward communities." "Such a shift should happen within our democratic system," Gopi added.

Expressing his interest, Thrissur MP also revealed that he had personally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate the tribal affairs ministry to him, but acknowledged that certain precedents govern portfolio allocations.

CPI's Benoy Viswam Labels Suresh Gopi As 'Piper Of Chaturvarna'

Gopi's statements sparked widespread criticism across Kerala. CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam condemned his remarks, calling him a "piper of the chaturvarna" (caste system) and demanding his removal from the Union ministry.

Additionally, he urged Union Minister of State George Kurian to resign, accusing him of insulting Kerala and disregarding federal principles. His response came after Kurian stated on Saturday that to receive more funds from the Centre, the state should declare itself backward in education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

"These two ministers are living examples of the challenges facing the Indian Constitution under the RSS-led BJP regime," Benoy Viswam said, requesting the President to consider the matter.

He also called on the BJP to clarify its position regarding the statements made by two of its ministers, which he described as anti-tribal and anti-Kerala.

Tribal leader C K Janu strongly criticised Gopi's comments, labeling them as "low-class" and highlighting his lack of understanding. At present, BJP leader Jual Oram, a well-known tribal figure from Odisha, holds the Tribal Affairs portfolio in the Modi government.