Kamaal Farooqui
Kamaal Farooqui is a politician, educationist, and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress in Maharashtra. He has held several key positions in the government and the party, most notably serving with Cabinet Minister rank in the Government of Maharashtra.
Political Journey
Kamaal Farooqui began his political career in 1978 with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Indian National Congress. He later became a key leader in the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and was appointed Joint Secretary of Maharashtra, serving alongside Ashok Chavan, who later became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
A protégé of A.R. Antulay and a close confidant of C.K. Jaffer Sharif, Farooqui played a pivotal role in shaping policies concerning minority welfare. He was appointed Chairman of the Minority Department of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) and emerged as a strong voice for Maharashtra’s 13 million-strong Muslim population.
Ministerial and Party Leadership Roles
In recognition of his leadership, Kamaal Farooqui was appointed President of the Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee with a Cabinet Ministerial rank in the Government of Maharashtra. He was instrumental in advocating for consumer rights, minority welfare, and inclusive governance.
After parting ways with the Congress in 2004 due to ideological differences with the local leadership, he contested the Vidhan Sabha elections under the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) banner. Post-elections, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Sharad Pawar, where he was given a Ministerial rank in the Maharashtra government. He also served as the General Secretary of NCP Maharashtra and was a Member of the National Council.
Return to the Indian National Congress
In 2024, ahead of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections, Kamaal Farooqui and his son Barrister Umar Kamaal Farooqui rejoined the Indian National Congress, reaffirming their commitment to secularism, social justice, and the welfare of Maharashtra’s marginalized communities.
With over four decades in public service, Kamaal Farooqui continues to be a guiding force in Maharashtra’s political landscape, advocating for progressive policies and grassroots development.
