Thiruvananthapuram: Remarks by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, suggesting that leaders from "upper castes" should oversee the Tribal Affairs portfolio, have sparked controversy with leaders from the Congress, Communist Party of India and other Opposition parties demanding accountability.

Speaking at a Bharatiya Janata Party election rally in New Delhi, Gopi suggested that true progress for tribal welfare could only be achieved if "upper-caste" leaders, such as Brahmins or Naidus, were appointed to oversee the Tribal Affairs Ministry. His comments have faced intense backlash from political leaders, activists, and the public across Kerala.

Although Gopi has since clarified that his remarks were not meant to degrade anyone, but rather to suggest a shift in the system that could bring about more significant changes for tribal welfare, the political storm surrounding his comments continues to intensify. Opposition parties are ramping up their calls for action, placing increasing pressure on the BJP ministers to address their controversial statements.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, sharply criticized both Gopi and Union Minister George Kurian. Satheesan condemned Kurian’s recent statement urging Kerala to declare itself backward in order to receive more central funding, describing it as a flawed approach to federal relations.

"This is not charity. The relationship between the state and central government is constitutionally defined," Satheesan remarked. Regarding Gopi's comments, Satheesan added, "His suggestion that only upper-caste leaders should be given opportunities to lead is an insult to the capabilities of those from other communities."

Congress MP Hibi Eden highlighted the need for tribal communities to have their own leaders in charge of their affairs. Expressing disappointment with Gopi’s remarks, Eden reiterated the importance of empowering tribal leaders rather than marginalizing them.

The CPI and CPM have also strongly condemned the comments, with CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam calling Gopi a "piper of the chaturvarna system" and demanding his removal from office. CPI General Secretary D Raja added that the Kerala CPI is calling for a statewide bandh in protest, accusing the BJP and its MPs of adhering to the "Manusmriti mentality."

Prominent tribal leader C K Janu also condemned Gopi’s remarks as "low-class" and accused him of failing to understand tribal issues and their complexities.

Slamming both Kurian and Gopi, CPI MP P Sandosh said, "George Kurian's statement is quite detrimental to Kerala and unbecoming as a minister. I don't know what is the mindset of the people of BJP. They did not allocate any extra funds to Kerala and they are justifying it continuously.  Suresh Gopi and George Kurian have insulted the consciousness of Kerala. Taking moral responsibility, they should resign. Our demands are genuine... He (Suresh Gopi) should resign as the minister as it is a clear-cut violation of the oath he took. I have given a notice under Rule 267 to discuss this. He is a Union Minister and he is trying to divide people on lines of caste, What a tragedy! It is a serious issue."