Abu Barkat Ataur Ghani Khan Choudhury (1 November 1927 – 14 April 2006), known as Barkatda to his supporters,[2] was an Indian politician from West Bengal, India. Choudhury was a senior leader of Indian National Congress party.
Political career
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Ghani Khan Choudhury was first elected as an MLA to the West Bengal state legislative assembly in 1957, winning the seat in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1972. He served as a State Cabinet Minister in the Government of West Bengal from 1972 to 1977. First elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in 1980 from Malda, Choudhury would go on to represent the constituency for eight straight terms,[2] winning again in 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2004. From 1982 to 1984, Choudhury served as the Minister of Railways in Indira Gandhi's and Rajiv Gandhi's governments.[3] He took active part in introducing the Kolkata Metro Railway and Circular Railways in the city of Kolkata, and towards establishing the Malda Town railway station as one of the most important stations of the region. For his contributions, Choudhury is often respected as the architect of modern Malda.[2]
Early life
editGhani Khan was the son of Abu Hyat Khan Chowdhury and Saleha Khatoon.
Controversy
editChoudhury had claimed to be a barrister-at-law, called to the Bar from one of London's Inns of Court, while providing biographical information to the Indian Parliament.[4] However, the claim was found to be false by an election tribunal, and Choudhury was criticised by opposition politicians, such as Jyoti Basu (himself a barrister from London, who had also threatened to bring a motion against Choudhury), George Fernandes and Indrajit Gupta.[5] Choudhury attributed the incorrect information to an "oversight".[5]
Personal life
editGhani Khan Choudhury was married to Esther who left India in 1963 and settled in Switzerland. He is survived by his three children, son Simon Hyat Khan Choudhury, daughters Yasmin Khan Choudhry and Neelam Khan Choudhury.[6] Choudhury's siblings, all politicians, are Abu Nasar Khan Choudhury, Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury and Rubi Noor.
Legacy
editGhani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering & Technology (GKCIET), Malda, West Bengal was established in 2010 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India under the mentorship of the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur and in the memory of Choudhury.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ "Biographical Sketch: Member of Parliament 14th Lok Sabha: Choudhury, Shri A.B.A. Ghani Khan". Parliament of India. Archived from the original on 15 June 2006. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
- ^ a b c "LS polls 2014: Younger bro eyes 3rd term to continue Barkat-da's Malda legacy". The Economic Times. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ "Railway Ministers". IRFCA. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ "WORLD NEWS". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 24 March 1986. p. 6. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Ghani Khan not bar-at-law, charges Bosu". The Times of India. 3 March 1981. p. 17. ProQuest 609787296.
- ^ "In Malda after 24 yrs - Ghani children stake claim to property". The Telegraph. 29 January 2007. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
- ^ "Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and Technology". old-website.gkciet.ac.in. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
- ^ "West Bengal govt comes to rescue: Malda tech institute gets affiliation". The Indian Express. 8 July 2016.
External links
edit- "Ghani Khan dead". Deccan Herald. 15 April 2006. Archived from the original on 11 March 2007.
- "Ghani Khan's death leaves a void in politics". The Hindu. 15 April 2006. Archived from the original on 2 May 2006.
- "The monarch of Malda". Hindustan Times. 22 May 2005. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.