07/12/1950 – 24/11/1991

On the morning of November 25, 1991, newspapers across the country carried the heartbreaking news of the untimely demise of former MLA BA Umarabba on their front pages. The entire state was plunged into shock, sadness, and a moment of silence. No one anticipated that such a remarkable individual, who had left an indelible mark on the district’s politics, would depart so suddenly. But, as they say, fate is in the hands of the Creator.

Born on December 7, 1950, in Baikampadi near Mangalore, in Dakshina Kannada district, BA Umarabba was the son of B.K. Abdul Khader and Bifatima. Abdul Khader, his father, was a businessman and agriculturist hailing from Kammaridi in Tirthahalli taluk of Shimoga district. Umarabba spent his formative years in Kammaradi and received his education at Government Model Higher Primary School and Government High School, J.C.B.M., Sringeri. He pursued further studies at the Deshiya Vidya School in Shimoga and Maharaja College in Mysore.

During his student years, Umarabba gained widespread popularity for his literary prowess, organizational skills, and eloquence. He formed close bonds with socialist leaders such as Shantaveri Gopala Gowda and Konandur Lingappa, who embraced socialist ideologies. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia served as his political inspiration, while he maintained a strong rapport with then Chief Minister Virendra Patil.

While studying in Mysore, Umarabba was part of a community of like-minded individuals. Writers like Alanahalli Srikrishna, Devanur Mahadeva, former Minister Srinivasa Prasad, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the renowned journalist P. Lankesh played influential roles, with Lankesh serving as a mentor. Recognizing Umarabba’s talent, the state government appointed him as Karnataka’s special representative to the ‘Expo-70’ festival held in Japan in 1970, during Virendra Patil’s tenure as Chief Minister.

Born into a Beary Muslim family, Umarabba’s life was marked by diverse experiences. He held various jobs to make ends meet, including working as a cashier in a hotel, a proofreader in a press, a teacher in a high school in Katipalla, and a clerk in the New Mangalore port.

Umarabba entered politics by joining the anti-Emergency movement against the Central Government when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared Emergency in India on June 25, 1975.

Umarabba’s covert activities in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district remain largely unknown to many. Despite narrowly escaping arrest, he gained recognition statewide for his exceptional oratory and organizational skills. Inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan, he officially joined the Janata Party when it formed on January 23, 1977, through the amalgamation of various opposition parties.

Acknowledging Umarabba’s capabilities, the Janata Party fielded him as a candidate in the 1977 Assembly elections, allowing him to contest from the “Vitla” Vidhan Sabha constituency at the young age of 27. Although the Janata Party was relatively unfamiliar to Muslims in the district at the time, Umarabba’s candidacy stirred significant interest. Thousands gathered in villages to hear him speak, and he garnered support from various segments of society. Despite being narrowly defeated in this closely watched election, Umarabba earned widespread admiration.

However, Umarabba became disheartened with the direction of the Janata Party. He opposed the central government’s implementation of the ‘Prohibition of Conversion Act’ while still a member of the party, leading a public movement against it. When the Janata Party disbanded due to internal conflicts, Umarabba’s political aspirations were shattered. In his time of uncertainty, the Congress party extended an invitation, with his political mentor Virendra Patil having already joined their ranks. Supported by leaders like Oscar Fernandes and Veerappa Moily, Umarabba joined the Congress party and contested in the Vitla assembly constituency in 1985. As anticipated, he emerged victorious, becoming MLA once again.

Umarabba’s talent found its rightful place when he served as an opposition MLA in the House. His presence in the Vidhana Soudha was a testament to his remarkable abilities during his four-year tenure as an MLA. Whenever Umarabba spoke, the entire House was captivated, with legislators, journalists, and spectators flocking to hear him in the gallery.

It’s no exaggeration to describe Umarabba as a “wizard of speech.” Whenever it was known that Umarabba would be speaking at a meeting, ceremony, or seminar, people would eagerly gather to listen to him. His words possessed a unique charm, and his style of presentation was unparalleled. In 1989, Umarabba delivered a memorable speech about Islam at the Sarva Dharma Conference held at Dharamsthala, which left a lasting impact. Virendra Heggade acknowledged the significance of this speech in his tribute to Umarabba upon his passing.

Umarabba was known for his straightforwardness and self-respect, treating everyone equally regardless of caste, status, or political affiliation. He never resorted to flattery or sycophancy. Ironically, it was this very quality that contributed to his political downfall.

In 1989, when the Vidhan Sabha elections were announced, the Congress party fielded all its sitting MLAs except one – Umarabba. Undeterred, Umarabba decided to contest independently from the Vitla constituency under the “Elephant” symbol, with the slogan “No Dictatorship – Self-respect.” He stated, “Winning is not crucial. Touching people with my ideas is.” Despite his loss in the election, Umarabba gained a large following. He planted the seed of self-respect in the district’s political history, earning both defeat and victory.

Recognizing his influence, the Congress party welcomed Umarabba back and granted him a special position, appointing him as the treasurer of the state unit of the INTUC. Alongside district Congress leaders like NM Adyanthaya, B. Ramanatha Rai, Vinaya Kumar Sorake, Vijay Kumar Shetty, and Abhayachandra Jain, Umarabba reached the pinnacle of politics.

Tragically, Umarabba’s life was cut short when he was struck by a BMTC bus while riding his scooter in Bangalore on November 24, 1991, at the age of 41. Despite being a former MLA, he was accorded full police honors, with his body brought from Bangalore to Krishnapur near Suratkal for the last rites. His passing elicited condolences from the political, literary, religious, and press communities.