Ghulam Mohammad Shah

Ghulam Mohammad Shah Biography

Ghulam Mohammad Shah was a famous politician from Jammu & Kashmir, who served as the Chief Minister of the state from 2 July 1984 to 6 March 1986 succeeding his brother-in-law Farooq Abdullah. Actually Ghulam succeeded in winning the power by establishing his credentials of enjoying majority support in the Legislature. He was the son-in-law of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Ghulam has been associated with it. the former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was his uncle.

He was born in Srinagar on July 20, 1920. After completing graduation from Punjab University, he took LLB from Aligarh Muslim University. He was also a Fellow of London School of Economics on UN Scholarship. He was active in student politics during his days at college. Shah joined National Conference in 1944 and has associated with several movements for social causes resulting in arrests and detaining. He married Khalida, the daughter of famous leader, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.

After Independence when Kashmir was formed, he was appointed as the Controller of Supplies and Prices, a post he held till 1953. Shah was inducted into Indira Gandhi cabinet in 1975 and he played a significant role in NC campaign in 1977 elections, which the party won. He was inducted to the cabinet once again and was given the portfolio - Transport, Food & Supplies, Trade Agencies, Estate Works and Power. After Congress lost power in the centre, he switched on to state politics. He managed to gain power and became the chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir and served the position from 2 July 1984 to 6 March 1986. After the dismissal of his government, he formed Awami National Conference.

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Updated: December 19, 2015