{{Short description|Indian politician}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = | name = Siddiqullah Chowdhury<br>সিদ্দিকুল্লাহ চৌধুরী | honorific_suffix = | image = Siddiqullah Chowdhury 2018.jpg | alt = | caption = Siddiqullah Chowdhury | office = Cabinet Minister<br> Government of West Bengal | governor = CV Ananda Bose | 1blankname = Chief Minister | 1namedata = Mamata Banerjee | 2blankname = Ministry and Departments | 2namedata = * Mass Education Extension and Library Services | term_start = 10 May 2021 | term_end = 7 May 2026 | constituency = | predecessor = | office1 = Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly | constituency1 = Monteswar | term_start1 = 2 May 2021 | term_end1 = 4 May 2026 | predecessor1 = Saikat Panja | successor1 = | constituency2 = Mangalkot | term_start2 = 16 May 2016 | term_end2 = 2 May 2021 | predecessor2 = Sajahan Chowdhury | successor2 = Apurba Chowdhury | office3 = Minister of State<br>Government of West Bengal | governor3 = M. K. Narayanan<br />D. Y. Patil<br />Keshari Nath Tripathi<br />Jagdeep Dhankhar | 1blankname3 = Chief Minister | 1namedata3 = Mamata Banerjee | 2blankname3 = Ministry and Departments | 2namedata3 = * Mass Education Extension and Library Services * Parliamentary Affairs | term_start3 = 20 May 2016 | term_end3 = 3 May 2021 | successor3 = | predecessor3 = Tapan Roy | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1949|1|10|df=y}} | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | resting_place = | resting_place_coordinates = | birth_name = | parents = | citizenship = | party = 25px All India Trinamool Congress | other_party = All India United Democratic Front<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anandabazar.com/state/minority-cure-up-the-nandigram-issue-1.396560|title=নন্দীগ্রামের বরফ গলিয়ে দিল সংখ্যালঘুর অঙ্কই|trans-title=|language=bn|date=|website=Anandabazar.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><br />Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind | alma_mater = Darul Uloom Deoband<ref name="DC"/> | occupation = Politician | profession = | cabinet = | committees = | portfolio = | signature = | signature_alt = | website = | footnotes = | blank1 = | data1 = }} '''Siddiqullah Chowdhury''' (Bengali: সিদ্দিকুল্লাহ চৌধুরী) is an Indian politician from the state of West Bengal. He was the representative of Manteswar constituency in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly as a member of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party. He is also the president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's West Bengal branch.
== Political career == Chowdhury contested the 1984<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/1984-election-results.html|title=General (8th Lok Sabha) Election Results India|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref> and 1989<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/1989-election-results.html|title=General (9th Lok Sabha) Election Results India|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref> Lok Sabha elections from Katwa constituency as a candidate of the Indian National Congress. Chowdhury has become a prominent figure in state politics during Nandigram Movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.anandabazar.com/archive/1121114/14raj9.html|title=আনন্দবাজার পত্রিকা – রাজ্য|trans-title=|language=|author=|date=|website=archives.Anandabazar.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eisamay.indiatimes.com/nation/rejjak-molla-and-siddikullah-chowdhurys-name-is-in-minister-list-udayan-guhas-name-missing/articleshow/52455234.cms|title=মন্ত্রী হচ্ছেন রেজ্জাক-সিদ্দিকুল্লা, দল পাল্টেও মন্দ বরাত উদয়নের – Eisamay|trans-title=|language=|author=|date=27 May 2016|website=IndiaTimes.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref> Chowdhury also contested from the Basirhat seat as a candidate of the All India United Democratic Front in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.<ref>{{cite web|title=AIUDF announces list of 8, Siddiqullah claims Mollah 'ready to cooperate'|date=13 March 2014 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/aiudf-announces-list-of-8-siddiqullah-claims-mollah-ready-to-cooperate/lite/|publisher=Indian Express|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref>
In January 2016, Chowdhury hinted at the possibility of his Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind party entering into a pre-poll alliance for the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections.<ref name="SC">{{cite web|title=Not all have been achieved for minorities, but Mamata Banerjee is a strong force, says Siddiqullah Chowdhury|date=21 April 2016 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/elections-2016/cities/kolkata/west-bengal-assembly-elections-2016-not-all-have-been-achieved-for-minorities-but-mamata-banerjee-is-a-strong-force-says-siddiqullah-chowdhury/|publisher=Indian Express|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=জোটের আশা সিদ্দিকুল্লাহের [Siddiqullah expects an alliance]|url=http://www.anandabazar.com/district/2.917/%E0%A6%9C-%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B6-%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%B9-%E0%A6%B0-1.274943|publisher=Anandabazar|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref>
In March 2016, it was announced that Chowdhury would contest from the Mangalkot constituency as a candidate of the Trinamool Congress party.<ref name="DC">{{cite web|title=Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind leader fighting on TMC ticket is crorepati|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/290316/jamiat-ulema-e-hind-leader-fighting-on-tmc-ticket-is-crorepati.html|publisher=The Deccan Chronicle|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref> He said that the Mamata Banerjee-led government has worked for the development of minorities.<ref name="SC"/> He won the election by defeating his nearest rival, Sahajahan Chowdhury of Communist Party of India (Marxist), by nearly twelve thousand votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/west-bengal/assembly-constituencies/mangalkot.html|title=Mangalkot (West Bengal) Election Results 2016|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LIST: 59 Muslim MLA elected in West Bengal assembly elections|date=19 May 2016 |url=http://www.siasat.com/news/list-59-muslim-mlas-elected-west-bengal-assembly-elections-960624/|publisher=The Siasat Daily|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref> He was subsequently made a cabinet minister and given the portfolio of minister of state with independent charge in mass education, library, and parliamentary affairs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bengal portfolios: Mamata keeps home, retains Mitra as finance minister|date=27 May 2016 |url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/bengal-portfolios-mamata-keeps-home-retains-mitra-as-finance-minister-2803150.html|publisher=First Post|accessdate=5 June 2017}}</ref> He became one of the seven Muslims who was made a cabinet minister.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seven Muslims in West Bengal ministry|date=28 May 2016 |url=http://www.siasat.com/news/seven-muslims-west-bengal-ministry-963655/|publisher=Siasat|access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref>
In December 2016, Chowdhury stated in an interview with ''the Indian Express'' that only 1.5% of West Bengal's population was using the government libraries. In response, Chowdhury said that the government was taking steps to "turn people back towards books and libraries". He also said that journals, magazines, and books about agriculture must be present in libraries funded by state government.<ref>{{cite web|title=West Bengal: only 1.5% of state population using government libraries, says minister|date=23 December 2016 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/education/west-bengal-only-1-5-of-state-population-using-government-libraries-says-minister/|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=5 June 2017}}</ref>
== Criticism == Chowdhury was criticized for inciting violence, as he led the protest against the Waqf Bill. He even threatened to bring West Bengal to standstill by mobilizing thousands of protesters. The protest led to massive damage to public property, injuring many and even killing few.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Moyurie Som & Shiv Sahay |date=2025-04-12 |title=Waqf act protests: Three killed in fresh violence reported from West Bengal's Murshidabad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/waqf-protests-fresh-violence-reported-from-west-bengal-murshidabad-several-injured/article69442638.ece |access-date=2025-04-13 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
During the protest flags of various Islamic countries were carried and waved, while the protesters removed the saffron flag from a vehicle.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-11 |title=Hamas, ISIS flags are visible here but Ram Navami flags are removed from cars: Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/has-kolkata-become-dhaka-syria-or-afghanistan-bjp-leader-dilip-ghosh-attacks-mamata-banerjee-over-ram-navami-flags-removed-from-cars/articleshow/120190192.cms |access-date=2025-04-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-11 |title=Is Kolkata new Dhaka? BJP claims driver forced to remove saffron flag from bus |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bjp-claims-driver-forced-to-remove-saffron-flag-from-bus-asks-if-kolkata-is-new-dhaka-west-bengal-2707441-2025-04-11 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
== Views ==
=== Indian Muslims === Chowdhury is of the opinion that Muslims should not learn patriotism from other citizens of the country or from the government.<ref name="Views"/> According to him, if Muslims had not participated in the Indian freedom struggle, then it would have taken "another 100 years" for India to become independent.<ref name="Views"/> He said that if India became a Hindu state, then India would collapse.<ref name="Views">{{cite web|title="হিন্দু রাষ্ট্র করার চেষ্টা হলে ভারত টুকরো টুকরো হবে" ["India would break into pieces if it is made a Hindu state]|url=http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/detail/news/81769|publisher=Daily Naya Diganta|accessdate=5 June 2017}}</ref>
=== Government of Bangladesh === Chowdhury is critical of the Sheikh Hasina led government of Bangladesh. He said that assaulting pious citizens was a part of the Bangladesh government's conspiracy.<ref>{{cite web|title=15 Muslim orgns in WB warn Bangladesh to stop atrocities on religious people|date=17 May 2013 |url=http://twocircles.net/2013may17/15_muslim_orgns_wb_warn_bangladesh_stop_atrocities_religious_people.html#|publisher=Two Circles|accessdate=18 July 2017}}</ref>
===Triple Talaq=== In August 2016, the Supreme Court of India banned the controversial practice of triple talaq (oral instant divorce). Reacting to it, Chowdhury said that the practice was an integral part of Islam. He termed the verdict of supreme court as "unconstitutional" and criticised it for interfering in Islamic laws. He also said that Muslims would continue to follow the ''sharia'' (Islamic laws).<ref>{{cite web|title=Supreme Court judges have no right to interfere in Islamic customs: Trinamool minister on triple talaq|url=http://indiatoday.in/story/supreme-court-triple-talaq-trinamool-congress-siddiqullah-chowdhury/1/1032369.html|publisher=India Today|accessdate=13 September 2017}}</ref> Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party national secretary Rahul Sinha demanded his arrest as according to him, Chowdhury refused to abide by the laws of the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Instant talaq verdict illegal, says minister|date=24 August 2017 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/west-benagl-instant-talaq-verdict-illegal-says-minister-4810986/|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=13 September 2017}}</ref>
== Controversies == On 17 May 2017, ''Ebela'' reported that Chowdhury was using a red beacon on his car to avoid traffic congestion after Government of India banned its use.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-bans-red-beacon-atop-vip-cars-president-and-pm-exempt/story-6JDcm9Mgsh349Bvg9LZWUJ.html|title=Red beacons for VIPs banned from May 1, even vehicles of PM and President not exempt|author=|date=19 April 2017|website=HindustanTimes.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190417/central-govt-ministers-officials-not-to-use-red-beacons-on-cars-from-may-1.html|title=Modi bans red beacons for central govt ministers, officials; PM, Prez exempt|author=|date=19 April 2017|website=DeccanChronicle.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/modi-govt-puts-an-end-to-red-beacon-lal-batti-president-v-p-pm-cji-and-lok-sabha-speaker-exempted-4619288/|title=Modi govt puts an end to red beacon, vehicles of the Prime Minister, President, V-P included|author=|date=19 April 2017|website=IndianExpress.com|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref> He defended himself by contrasting his usage of the beacon with that of Noor ur Rahman Barkati, imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque, who had previously been spotted using it. Chowdhury said that unlike Barkati, his beacon was given to him by the state government and he had not received any notice from that authority to discontinue its use.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-39650490|title=India bans use of red beacon lights on cars|work=BBC News |date=20 April 2017|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=বরকতির পরে সিদিকুল্লাহ, তৃণমূলের মাথা ব্যাথা বাড়ালেন মমতার গ্রন্থাগার মন্ত্রী [After Barkati, now it is Siddiqullah; Mamata's Minister of Library is hampering Trinamool]|url=https://ebela.in/state/state-minister-siddiqullah-chowdhury-justifies-use-of-red-beacon-dgtl-1.614176|publisher=Ebela|access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref>
Regarding Barkati, Chowdhury commented that if he is to continue to live in India, he must follow Indian rules. He also stated his belief that Barkati would obtain a political position in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|title='পাকিস্তানে গেলে ভালো প্রশাসনিক পদ পাবে বরকতি' [Barkati will get good political position in Pakistan]|language=|url=https://www.kolkata24x7.com/imam-barkati-got-a-good-administrative-possition-in-pakistan.html|publisher=Kolkata 24x7|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002072019/https://www.kolkata24x7.com/imam-barkati-got-a-good-administrative-possition-in-pakistan.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Consequently, Barkati was sacked from his post.<ref>{{cite web|title=জাতীয়তা বিরোধী মন্তব্যের অভিযোগে টিপু সুলতান মসজিদের শাহি ইমাম পদ থেকে অপসারিত বরকতি [Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque sacked for his anti national comments]|language=|url=http://abpananda.abplive.in/kolkata-news/controversial-cleric-barkati-sacked-as-shahi-imam-of-tipu-sultan-mosque-339651/amp|publisher=ABP Ananda|access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref>
== See also == * List of Deobandis
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chowdhury, Siddiqullah}} Category:Living people Category:Bengali Muslims Category:Politicians from Kolkata Category:West Bengal MLAs 2016–2021 Category:Trinamool Congress politicians from West Bengal Category:West Bengal MLAs 2021–2026 Category:Indian Muslims Category:State cabinet ministers of West Bengal Category:Deobandis Category:1949 births