Actor and Union minister Suresh Gopi says ‘upper castes’ should get Tribal Affairs portfolio, later backtracks

Gopi, the BJP MP from Kerala’s Thrissur and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, made his initial comments while addressing a BJP election campaign in New Delhi on Sunday.

At the event, he said, “It is a curse of our country that only a person from the tribal community can be made the minister for Tribal Affairs. 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,” he said.

Reacting to Gopi’s remarks, CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan said they amounted to a violation of the oath of office. “The Indian Constitution ensures equality to all people. He spoke against that equality enshrined in the Constitution. Can Gopi decide who is of noble birth?” asked Radhakrishnan, a prominent Dalit face of the CPI(M).

Several other Left leaders in Kerala also came out against the comments.

As the criticism mounted, Gopi later said, “Everything that I said came from my heart. The media did not put forth my entire statement. I had also said that people from backward castes should be brought to look after the affairs of the upper castes.”

“What I meant was that this divide should go and I had only good intentions. I have not disparaged anyone. If my explanation is not satisfactory, I am withdrawing my statement,” he said.

The incumbent Tribal Affairs Minister is the BJP’s Jual Oram, a prominent tribal leader from Odisha.

(With PTI inputs)