Kolkata, 09 April (H.S.): An important chapter in the political history of West Bengal’s Malda district came to an end with the demise of former Union Minister and ex-MP from the Malda South Lok Sabha constituency, Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, popularly known as Dalu Khan Choudhury. He passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89 after battling age-related health issues.

According to sources, he breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata. His death has cast a shadow of grief over the political circles of Malda, especially at a time when the state is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections.

His wife was by his side during his final moments. His son and Congress leader Isha Khan Choudhury reached Malda from Kolkata after receiving the news of his father’s demise. His mortal remains are scheduled to be taken to Malda on Thursday, where his last rites will be performed. Several leaders, including state Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar, visited the hospital to pay their last respects.

Dalu Khan Choudhury was born on January 12, 1938, into the prominent Khan Choudhury political family of Malda. He entered politics under the guidance of his elder brother, former Union Minister A.B.A. Ghani Khan Choudhury. After his brother’s death, he took charge of strengthening the Congress organisation in Malda and remained an influential political figure in the district for many years.

He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Kaliachak constituency from 1996 to 2006. Later, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Malda South Lok Sabha constituency in 2009.

Due to health reasons, he had stayed away from active politics in recent years and did not contest the last Lok Sabha election. His son, Isha Khan Choudhury, currently represents Malda South as a Congress MP. His niece, Mausam Benazir Noor, is contesting the current Assembly elections as a Congress candidate from the Mothabari constituency.

Political observers believe that his demise could be a setback for the Congress organisation in Malda ahead of the Assembly polls. However, some analysts also suggest that a sympathy factor may work in favour of the party in the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh