George Kurian, a seasoned Indian politician and lawyer hailing from Kerala, has recently taken center stage as a Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as well as Minority Affairs in the third Modi ministry. Let’s look into his journey within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is filled with dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment.
ശ്രീ ജോർജ് കുര്യൻ കേന്ദ്ര സഹമന്ത്രിയായി രാഷ്ട്രപതി ഭവനിൽ സത്യപ്രതിജ്ഞ ചെയ്യുന്നു
— PIB in KERALA (@PIBTvpm) June 9, 2024
Minister of State Shri. George Kurian takes Oath of Office and Secrecy at #SwearinginCeremony at @rashtrapatibhvn @PIB_India @MIB_India pic.twitter.com/JWgZNcBm95
Early Beginnings and Academic Pursuits
Born in 1960, George Kurian’s roots trace back to the town of Nambiakulam, Ettumanoor, in Kerala. He is the youngest among five siblings born to Kurian and Annamma, a family deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Kerala. Kurian’s educational journey began in the scenic Kottayam district, where he cultivated his legal acumen. His pursuit of knowledge led him to attain an LLB degree and a post-graduation in Master of Arts, both of which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in law and politics.
George Kurian’s entry into the Political Arena
In 1980, George Kurian embarked on his political journey by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since then, he has traversed through the corridors of power with steadfast loyalty and unwavering dedication. Over the decades, Kurian has held pivotal roles within the BJP, showcasing his adept leadership skills and commitment to the party’s ideology. His tenure includes membership in the national executive committee and serving as the national vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Notably, Kurian’s exceptional contributions led him to become the first Malayali to hold the position of vice-chairman of the National Commission for Minorities.
A Voice for Kerala in the BJP
George Kurian’s ascent within the BJP is a testament to his resilience and political acumen. His recent appointment as a Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, coupled with Minority Affairs, underscores the BJP’s commitment to diversity and inclusive governance. Hailing from Kottayam, Kurian embodies the ethos of Kerala while advocating for the BJP’s principles on a national scale. His role as the vice-president of the BJP Kerala unit further solidifies his influence within the party, making him a prominent voice for the state on the national stage. As a seasoned lawyer, Kurian’s legal background equips him to tackle complex issues with precision and finesse.
Electoral Pursuits and Personal Life
In 2016, George Kurian contested as a BJP candidate from the Puthuppally Assembly constituency, facing off against the formidable Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy. Although victory eluded him, Kurian’s spirited campaign resonated with constituents, leaving an indelible mark in the political landscape of Kerala. Beyond politics, Kurian finds solace in his personal life, being married to O. T. Annamma, a retired nursing officer in the Indian Army. Together, they have nurtured a close-knit family environment, providing unwavering support to Kurian’s political endeavors.
BJP’s entry in Kerala State Politics
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has historically faced formidable challenges in making inroads into Kerala’s political landscape. However, a recent electoral victory has paved its path toward legitimacy in a state where it has long been viewed as a peripheral player. Suresh Gopi’s historic win in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency represents not only a watershed moment for the BJP but also a testament to its strategy and growing resonance among Kerala’s electorate.
Kerala has stood as a bastion of resistance for the BJP, remaining the sole major Indian state where the party has never clinched a national seat. Despite this, the BJP’s perseverance has borne fruit, evidenced by a steady increase in voter support over the years. From a modest 1.75% vote share in 1984, the BJP’s presence surged to 13% in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This upward trajectory mirrors the party’s concerted efforts to gain a foothold in a region renowned for its entrenched political affiliations.
Suresh Gopi: Stardom and Politics
The BJP’s recent triumph owes much to the charismatic persona of Suresh Gopi, a prominent actor-turned-politician whose entry into the political arena revitalized the party’s prospects in Thrissur. Gopi’s celebrity status provided an invaluable platform for the BJP in a constituency that had previously eluded its grasp. His influence was palpable in the 2019 elections, where he significantly bolstered the BJP’s vote share from 11.15% in 2014 to an impressive 28.2%. Despite finishing third in that contest, Gopi’s star power left an indelible mark on the electorate.
Thrissur: A Resounding Victory and Symbol of Change
Gopi’s triumph in Thrissur, a constituency considered a bastion of pro-Sangh Parivar sentiment since the 1980s, defied conventional political wisdom. His resonant catchphrase, “Thrissur njan edukkuva, enikku venom Thrissur (I am taking Thrissur, I want Thrissur),” struck a chord with voters, transcending traditional divides. Moreover, Gopi’s local philanthropic initiatives, including generous donations to the Catholic Cathedral Church, endeared him to constituents. Notably, his appeal transcended religious lines, garnering substantial support from Christian voters and securing victory by a formidable margin of over 74,000 votes.
Modi’s Endorsement and Strategic Campaigning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic endorsement of Suresh Gopi’s candidacy underscored the BJP’s concerted efforts to secure victory in Thrissur. Modi’s repeated visits to the constituency served to galvanize support and convey the party’s unwavering commitment to Kerala’s electorate. The BJP’s meticulous focus on Thrissur yielded dividends, with the party emerging as the top contender in 11 Assembly segments, including six within the Thrissur seat. This marked a significant uptick in the BJP’s overall vote share in Kerala, which surged to 19.39%, up from 15.64% five years .
Conclusion
George Kurian’s political odyssey is a saga of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. As he assumes his new responsibilities, Kurian remains a beacon of hope for the BJP in Kerala and a shining example of the party’s inclusive vision. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders, highlighting the transformative power of dedication and hard work in traversing the corridors of power.
While the BJP’s breakthrough in Kerala is cause for celebration for its supporters, the road to political legitimacy remains fraught with challenges. Despite the defection of prominent Congress leaders to the BJP, the party must navigate complex political dynamics and foster inclusivity across Kerala’s diverse communities. As the state’s political landscape continues to evolve, the BJP’s journey toward legitimacy depends on sustained determination of the leadership.
