State mourns E Ahamed’s demise

Thiruvananthapuram: Various eminent political leaders in the State Wednesday mourned the death of former Union minister and Union Muslim League MP E Ahamed and termed him as an excellent Parliamentarian.

Governor P Sathasivam said the state had lost an eminent Parliamentarian and a leader of the people.

“His tireless services ranged from boosting the industrial climate of Kerala to upholding India’s diplomatic position in international forums, including the United Nations,” he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Ahamed was a leader who always upheld secular values.

In his condolence message, Vijayan said as minister of state for external affairs, he had held India’s name high. He was an excellent Parliamentarian and as state industries minister, his contribution had been significant.

Expressing condolence, state Congress chief V M Sudheeran described Ahamed as a great Parliamentarian and said it was his personality that made him a national leader in IUML.

Former state minister and IUML leader P K Kunhalikuty said Ahamed was a guiding force of the party.

“Despite his advanced age, Ahmed was active in politics and social life”, he said.

IUML General Secretary KPA Majeed said Ahamed was the last link of old generation party leaders.

“In United Nations, he boosted the reputation and fame of India” and his contribution as an MP and minister would be remembered always, he said.

Ahamed, who won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Malappuram, had represented Kerala seven times in the Lower House without a break, besides being a five time MLA in the state Assembly.

He had served in the Manmohan Singh cabinet from 2004-12 as Minister of State for External Affairs and Railways besides holding the additional charge of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 from various constituencies in Malappuram district, the Muslim heartland in north Kerala.

Prior to his innings in Parliament, Ahamed had served five terms as member of Kerala assembly from 1967-91 and was Industries Minister in the K Karunakaran cabinet from 1982-87.

A graduate from Government Brennen College in Thalassery, he later obtained a law degree from the Government Law College here.

He had also served as a Journalist– both as Sub editor and Reporter of the party newspaper ‘Chandrika’.

As an MP, he had been a member of several parliamentary committees, including a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on pesticide residues in and safety standards of soft drinks, fruits and other beverages.

Born on 29 April 1938, Ahamed has also authored four books in English and Malayalam. Educational institutions in Malappuram district are shut today as a mark of respect to the departed leader.