KOZHIKODE: For a lot of IUML activists, E Ahamed was a leader with a liberal voice who stood unwavering during times of crisis. Having the right spirit to stay afloat in political whirlpool certainly required a great deal of testosterone and Ahamed certainly triumphed at it by fair means owing to years of experience he gained after entering into politics as an MSF activist.
Looking back, it will be hard to think of any fight he didn’t win.
He was the first general secretary of MSF, the students wing of IUML. He was against many male dominant traits in his party and always extended support to women who entered mainstream politics. “He played a major role in the formation of Women’s League at the national level.
When we met him three days ago at Malappuram, he stressed the necessity to empower women in the Muslim community and other minority sections to take up leadership positions in politics and have an integral participation in Indian democracy,” said Women’s League national general secretary Noorbina Rasheed.
“Rarely do we see political leaders who make it to the top after a humble beginning in a students’ outfit. Ahamed was one such person who managed to be at the helm without any backing. It was his grit and determination that made him an extraordinary figure in IUML,” said M I Thangal, former editor of IUML mouthpiece Chandrika.
Ahamed imbued the ability to command respect and admiration from his political opponents whenever he subtly expressed his opinion in public. “I knew him since childhood as we were neighbours and came from the same place. He is the sole reason why I entered public life. When I was 30, he asked me to write a newspaper article on ‘women and social development.’ He is one among those few leaders in Muslim League who believed in the role of women in politics,” added Women’s League state president Kamarunnisa Anwar.