New Delhi: K Rahman Khan, a veteran Parliamentarian who had a nearly six-year stint as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, makes a comeback into the Union Council of Ministers with a promotion to Cabinet rank. The re-entry of the 73-year-old leader from Karnataka in the government was anticipated when he relinquished the charge of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman earlier this year after which he was re-elected to the House for a fourth term. A chartered accountant by profession, he became a Minister of State in UPA I.
Khan became Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha in 2006 and his handling of the House was by and large appreciated by all sections. His induction comes close on the heels of resignation of External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, who is a Lok Sabha member from Karnataka. Khan was a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and later became its chairman in 1993 before being elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1995.
He had been a member of Joint Parliamentary Committee on functioning of Wakf Boards and the one on Securities Scam. Born to Khasim Khan, a school teacher and Khairunnisa at Krishnarajpet, Mandya District of Karnataka, Khan did his pre-schooling at a nearby Village. He later joined Banmaya's College at Mysore. Married to Ayesha, the couple have five children.
Will make efforts to implement Sachar report: Rahman Khan
Implementation of Sachar Committee Report to address socio-economic issues of Muslim community and UPA's election promises to minorities will be among the priorities for Khan who took oath as Minister for Minority Affairs on Sunday. "My priority will be to fulfil all the promises made by UPA for minorities in the election manifesto in letter and spirit and see that Sachar Committee is implemented," Khan said immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
The veteran Parliamentarian from Karnataka said that he would also try to address issues which people from all minority communities feel have not been fulfilled so far. The Congress leader also said that Rahul Gandhi should lead the party in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and he was "sure" that with his vision for the country, Rahul will be a successful leader. Asked whether he feels that Muslims have got adequate representation in the Cabinet with his induction as a Minister, Khan said "it is for the Muslims to understand that they get adequate representation."
"But I will try to work for the uplift of all minority communities," the Rajya Sabha MP said. The 73-year-old leader said the government will work "positively for the development of the country and fulfilment of promises" made to the people and any effort to "tarnish" the image of UPA will be "unacceptable". "So we will not be deterred with these adverse publicity," Khan said while replying to a question.
####
Comments
0 comment