Et Muhammad Basheer: Whenever there is talk of experienced and policy leaders in Kerala politics, E.T. Muhammad Bashir’s name is definitely taken with respect and respect. He has not only been a skilled administrator and policymaker, but his role in education reforms is still remembered as an example. Starting from the trade union, he has started a long and active political journey from student politics to national forum. Currently he is the National Organization Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and is leading the party in the Lok Sabha.
Birth and family background
ET Muhammad Bashir was born on 1 July 1946 in Madhkad (the then Madras Presidency, now Malappuram district, Kerala). His father’s name was ET Musakutty and mother’s name was Fatima. Born in a normal Muslim family, Bashir understood the importance of social awareness and education since childhood. E.T. Muhammad Bashir is married to Rukhia Bashir. They have three sons and a daughter.
Education and student politics starts
Bashir’s schooling was done from Ibichi Haji High School, Chaliam, from where he passed the SSLC examination in 1964. After this he received college education. Meanwhile, he joined the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), a student branch of the Indian Union Muslim League. In student life, he started taking deep interest in social and political works. This organization became the foundation of his political life.
Initial responsibilities in IUML
Bashir left the student politics and served in various organizational positions in IUML. He worked in the positions like Kondotti Mandalam Committee Chairman, Malappuram District Committee Secretary and IUML State Secretariat Member. While in these posts, he worked to empower the policies of the party at the ground level and maintained a deep connection with the general public.
Participation in trade union movement
Along with politics, Bashir was also associated with the trade union movement. He was the Kerala State Secretary of the Independent Thorajhilali Union (STU). He led the union in various industrial establishments, including major institutions such as Mavur Gwalior Ryans, Malabar Cements, Adhericode Textiles, Kerala Electrical & Allied Kundra, Malabar Spinning Mills, Steel Complex and KSDC Kuttipuram. In this role, he voiced the rights of the workers and struggled for many socio-economic reforms.
Entry as Member of Legislative Assembly
Bashir showed his political skills after being first elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1985. After this he again became MLA in 1991, 1996 and 2001. He K.K. Karunakaran, A.K. Working under Chief Ministers like Antony and Oman Chandy, he played an important responsibility of the Education Minister in the state.
Historical initiative as Education Minister
Bashir implemented several significant reforms as the Education Minister of Kerala State during 1991–96 and 2001–06. He promoted the establishment of self-financial colleges, creating more opportunities for higher education. Steps such as the introduction of grading systems at secondary and higher secondary level, establishment of Kannur and Sanskrit universities, foundations of the University of Advanced Law Studies (NUALS) in Kochi and inclusion of IT in the education system gave a new direction to Kerala’s education. Also, he also applied special packages to physically and mentally disabled students, making education inclusive and accessible.
Entry and achievements in parliamentary politics
E.T. in 2009 Muhammad Bashir entered the Indian Parliament by contesting from Ponnani Lok Sabha seat. He was then elected from this seat again in 2014 and 2019. In 2024, he contested from Malappuram Lok Sabha seat and won by heavy votes. His presence in the Lok Sabha has been more than 94 percent and has participated in more than 100 debates. Also, he asked more than 224 questions and has also introduced five private bills.
National leader of IUML and party chief in Lok Sabha
Bashir is currently the National Organization Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League and leads IUML in Parliament. They play an important role in the party’s policy, strategy and determination of electoral plans. His voice has always been clear and logical on the issues of minority rights, education policy, constitutional security and human rights in Parliament.
National and international contribution
Bashir has been a member of many committees related to the education policies of the Government of India, such as –
Central Education Advisory Board (CABE)
Central government committee on decentralization of education management
Janardhana Reddy Commission on National Education Policy
Minority Education Monitoring Committee.
Apart from these, he has also been an active member of the Senate of Kerala Agricultural University, the State orphanage Control Board and the Industry Relations Committee. He represented India in May 2025 to the Anti -Terrorism Global Delegation, where he puts India’s side on Pakistan sponsored terrorism.
Social interest
Along with politics, they are also deeply involved in the work related to education, social reform and minority upliftment. They are also identified as the education of women and children, empowerment of disabled, and advocates of workers’ rights.
E.T. Muhammad Bashir is a politician who has played an impressive role at student politics, trade union, ministry, assembly and Lok Sabha – every level. He is a leader of the principles, development and equality. His initiative in the field of education, his clarism in Parliament and his leadership ability in IUML will be helpful in giving direction to Indian politics in the coming years.
