U T Khader makes history as the first Muslim Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly
Mangalore Today News Network
Bengaluru, May 24, 2023: UT Khader has created history by being the first Muslim person to become the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly. This significant milestone is attributed to the Congress party’s desire to acknowledge the support they received from the Muslim community during the recent state election, where they secured nine MLAs from the community.
The proposal to nominate Khader for the esteemed position was put forward by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and it received strong support from Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Since there were no other contenders for the post, Protem Speaker R V Deshpande called for a vote on the Chief Minister’s proposal, which was unanimously accepted by the House.
At 53 years old, Khader has an impressive political trajectory, starting from his involvement in the Congress’s student wing NSUI, eventually becoming a five-time MLA representing the coastal region of Mangaluru. Despite senior leaders like RV Deshpande and TB Jayachandra declining the offer in favor of ministerial positions, Khader was selected as the Speaker-designate.
Known for his close association with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Khader’s appointment as Speaker was proposed by Siddaramaiah during a meeting with AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other senior leaders. Khader’s nomination received unanimous approval, including from AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.
The next step involved convincing Khader to accept the position, which came as a surprise to him as he had aspirations of becoming a minister in Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet. Although initially concerned about handling such a significant role, Khader was assured of his capabilities by party leaders.
UT Abdul Khader is the son of UT Fareed, a four-time MLA from the Ullal constituency in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada. After the constituency’s delimitation, the Mangaluru constituency emerged by incorporating parts of Vitla and Ullal constituencies. Khader won the by-election for the Ullal seat following his father’s passing and has continuously served as an MLA from Mangaluru since 2008, securing a total of five terms.
Khader completed his BA and LLB courses at St Aloysius College and SDM Law College in Mangaluru, respectively. He possesses a keen interest in bike and car races and has actively participated in state and national-level motorcycle race championships. Additionally, he has shown enthusiasm for various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, tennis, and others.
His political journey began with student politics, holding positions such as NSUI district general secretary, NSUI district president, and NSUI state vice-president during the 1990s and early 2000s. Khader also participated in National-Level Seva Dal Training Camps and served as the Additional Chief Adviser of the Seva Dal in 2005.
As a member of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Khader was elected as its secretary in 2008 and received accolades such as the Sadan Veer and Shining India Awards for his outstanding performance in the Legislative Assembly from 2008 to 2013.
Unlike other Muslim leaders who often assume roles specific to minority affairs, Khader expanded his influence and became a state-level leader across communities. He served as the Minister of Health, Food and Civil Supplies, and Urban Development and Housing, bringing about notable projects like the gutka ban, bike ambulance, health emergency number 108, Aarogyasri, Danta Bhagya, and dialysis units in government taluk hospitals. His remarkable achievements as Health Minister earned him the Best Health Minister award from the Central government.