Khader survives BJP wave

Mangaluru: The only constituency that survived the Modi wave in the coast was Mangaluru constituency. UT Khader emerged as the only Congress candidate who won a seat while the other 7 seats went to BJP candidates.

This is Khader’s fourth consecutive win in the constituency. Khader has scored a commendable victory this time with a 19,739 margin lead.

Khader is known to be simple, down to earth, approachable and accessible. It seems like Khader has grown to be an “undisputed leader” in the constituency because of his inclusive politics in a constituency which has a Muslim majority.

Khader is largely known as the ‘Good Samaritan’ who goes out of his way to help the needy. He is known to have helped road accident victims or giving away his own car for the cause several times. The programmes he implemented while he was a health minister or as minister for food and civil supplies, has been widely appreciated by all including governments from other states.

Like his son, Fareed too was popular among the people. In 2007, when the four-time MLA passed away, everyone turned to Khader, who had already proved his abilities as a de-facto MLA.

“Khader had inherited a lot of things from his father and former MLA UT Fareed. He is friendly and approachable and that is one factor that has always made him win hearts. He listen to his people and mixes with them. Whether it is an event in Masjid or an event in the Daivasthana, Khader does not differentiate. The communal situation has been maintained this way only because of his judicious Approach,” say locals.