A. B. A. Ghani Khan Choudhury

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.

A. B. A. Ghani Khan Choudhury
Minister of Programme Implementation
In office
1985–1987
Prime MinisterRajiv Gandhi
Minister of Railways
In office
2 September 1982 – 31 December 1984
Prime MinisterIndira Gandhi
Preceded byPrakash Chandra Sethi
Succeeded byBansi Lal
Ministry of Coal (India) with Ministry of Jal Shakti & Minister of New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge)
In office
1980–1982
Prime MinisterIndira Gandhi
Member of Parliament
for Malda
In office
1980–2006
Preceded byDinesh Chandra Joarder
Succeeded byAbu Hasem Khan Choudhury
ConstituencyMalda[1]
Minister of Irrigation and Power Government of West Bengal
In office
1972–1977
Member of West Bengal Legislative Assembly
In office
1957–1980
Preceded byAshadulla Choudhury
Succeeded byHumayoun Chowdhury
ConstituencySujapur
Personal details
Born(1927-11-01)1 November 1927
Malda, Bengal Presidency, British India
Died14 April 2006(2006-04-14) (aged 78)
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Political partyINC
Spouse(s)Ruth Khan Choudhury
RelationsAbu Hasem Khan Choudhury (brother)
Abu Nasar Khan Choudhury (brother)
Rubi Noor (sister)
Isha Khan Choudhury (nephew)
Mausam Noor (niece)
ResidenceSahazalalpur, Malda City, Malda
Alma materUniversity of Calcutta (B.A.)

Political career

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

Ghani Khan was son of Khan Bahadur Abu Hayat B. Khan Choudhury who was known for being a Zamindar in Malda district during the British raj era.

Controversy

Choudhury 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".[6]

Personal life

Choudhury's siblings, both politicians, are Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury and Rubi Noor.

References
  1. "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.
  2. "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.
  3. "Railway Ministers". IRFCA. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  4. "WORLD NEWS". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 24 March 1986. p. 6. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  5. "Ghani Khan not bar-at-law, charges Bosu - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  6. "Ghani Khan not bar-at-law, charges Bosu - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
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