Union Minister George Kurian triggered a controversy on Sunday, February 2, by suggesting that Kerala should "declare itself backward" if it sought financial assistance from the Union government. His remarks came in response to criticism of the Union Budget by opposition leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Several ministers and politicians from Kerala have since demanded that Kurian retract his statement and apologize to the state's people.
"You must announce that Kerala is backward, that it lacks roads, quality education, etc. If you claim that Kerala is lagging behind other states in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare, then the Finance Commission will examine the matter and submit a report to the Union government, which will then make a decision accordingly. The Union does not determine this on its own," Kurian said while addressing reporters in New Delhi.
His comments came amid strong criticism of the Union Budget 2025-26 by both the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress in Kerala. Both parties accused the Union government of overlooking the state's pressing financial needs.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister KN Balagopal, and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan expressed disappointment, stating that key demands—including a Rs 24,000 crore special financial package and rehabilitation aid for Wayanad—had been ignored in the budget. The trio described the budget as "condemnable," "extremely disappointing," and "unfortunate."
On February 1, Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the budget, saying it failed to address Kerala’s financial concerns. He pointed out that the Union government had disregarded the state's request for funds to rebuild Wayanad, where landslides in July last year had claimed over 400 lives.
"We requested a special package of Rs 24,000 crore, along with a separate package for the Wayanad landslides. Given the national significance of the Vizhinjam Port, we also sought support for it. However, none of these requests were considered," Pinarayi said.
CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan and senior leader EP Jayarajan accused the minister of taking an “anti-Kerala” stance on fund allocations. State Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas asserted that Kerala would not approach the Union government with a "begging bowl" but would use legal and political means to assert its federal and fiscal rights.
Kurian’s statement was met with sharp criticism from leaders across the state. Industries Minister P Rajeev accused him of insulting Kerala, saying, "It is an insult to the state. If he finds the time, he should read the economic survey. Kerala has consistently ranked first in sustainable development goals. This is not due to anyone’s generosity but the result of the state’s hard work."
George Kurian, a native of Kottayam district in Kerala, is the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, as well as for Minority Affairs. He has been a Rajya Sabha MP since September last year.