'Brahmin or Naidu should head tribal affairs ministry': Union Minister sparks row

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Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi on Sunday sparked a controversy with his remark that members of the "upper caste" should handle the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, prompting widespread condemnation from the minority community. He also said that there would be "significant change" if a Brahmin or a Naidu is allowed to take charge.

"It's a curse of our country that only a person from the tribal community can be made the minister for tribal affairs," news agency PTI quoted Gopi as saying.

"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," he added.

He argued that genuine progress in tribal welfare would only be possible if leaders from "upper castes" were given charge of the portfolio.

"I have requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate the ministry to me. However, there are certain precedents in portfolio allocations," he said.

The BJP leader's remarks triggered a wave of backlash, especially in Kerala. Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Benoy Viswam strongly condemned Gopi's remarks, branding him a "piper of the chaturvarna" (caste system) and demanding his removal from the Union ministry.