C. H. Mohammed Koya

C.H. Mohammed Koya (b. Atholi, Calicut July 15, 1927 - d. 28 September 1983) was an Indian politician and the tenth Chief Minister of Kerala. He served from October 12, 1979 to December 1, 1979.

Early days

C.H. Mohammed Koya was born into a poor family on July 15, 1927 at Atholi in Calicut district of Kerala. He was the son of Payyampunathil Ali Musliyar, a countryside doctor and Unani specialist, and Mariyumma. He had his early education in the Kongannur Aided Elementary School, Velur Mappila Elementary School and Quilandy Board High School.

Political career

He experienced his first taste of politics right from his high school. He was actively involved with the IUML. In his early years, he served a short term in the Kurumpranad District Muslim League committee and later in the Municipal Office in Calicut.

In 1951, he was elected to the National Executive of the IUML and shortly afterwards, was elected the Councilor of Calicut Municipality. C.H.Mohammed Koya defeated K.P.Kuttikrishnan Nair (Kuttiettan - as he was popularly known) of the Indian National Congress. The latter had earlier defeated two of the most popular politicians in Kerala, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Seethi Sahib earning him the nickname the Giant-Killer from Jawaharlal Nehru.

His chief mentor, both in his personal life and political career was Syed Abdur Rahman Bafaqi Thangal, to whom he was indebted for all his achievements.

Mohammed Koya was elected into the Kerala Legislative Assembly from the Tanur...
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