George Kurian Resigns: Why did BJP leader quit Modi cabinet after Rajya Sabha term ended?

BJP leader George Kurian has resigned as Union MoS after his Rajya Sabha term expired. The President accepted his resignation with immediate effect, triggering fresh political buzz over Modi cabinet changes.

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 23 June 2026, 10:04 AM IST

BJP’s George Kurian Quits Union Minister Post (Image Internet)

New Delhi: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader George Kurian resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on Tuesday after the completion of his Rajya Sabha tenure.

According to a statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President of India accepted Kurian’s resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The resignation has come into effect immediately under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Kurian was serving as Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Rajya Sabha Term Triggered Exit

The resignation followed the expiry of Kurian’s six-year Rajya Sabha term. Since he was no longer a member of either House of Parliament, his continuation in the Union Council of Ministers had become politically and constitutionally significant.

Kurian was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in 2024 after being inducted into the third Modi government. However, the BJP did not renominate him for another term, leading to speculation over the party’s future organisational and cabinet calculations.

Political observers believe the move may also be linked to the BJP’s assessment of its performance and strategy in Kerala, where Kurian has long been associated with the party’s expansion efforts.

Long Association With BJP

George Kurian, 65, is among the senior BJP faces from Kerala. He has been associated with the party since its early years and has held several organisational responsibilities over the decades.

Before entering national ministerial office, Kurian was also known for his legal background. He practised as an advocate at the Supreme Court of India and remained active in party affairs, particularly in Kerala.

Early Life And Education

Kurian was born on September 20, 1960, in Nambiakulam in Ettumanoor Municipality of Kerala’s Kottayam district. He completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing higher studies in law.

His exit from the Union Council of Ministers now adds to the wider political discussion over possible changes in the Modi government and the BJP’s strategy for southern India.