| Abu Asad Mohammed Obaidul Ghani | |
| Assembly: | West Bengal Legislative |
| Term Start: | 1957 |
| Term End: | 1971 |
| Predecessor: | Devendra Chandra Dev |
| Assembly2: | West Bengal Legislative |
| Term Start2: | 1972 |
| Term End2: | 1973 |
| Successor2: | Sachindra Kumar Dhar |
| Birth Date: | 3 January 1903 |
| Death Date: | 24 September 1973 (aged 70) |
| Profession: | Medical doctor |
Abu Asad Mohammed Obaidul Ghani (1903–1973), also referred to as A.M.O. Ghani, was an Indian politician, belonging to the Communist Party of India.[1]
Obaidul Ghani's grandfather, Maulvi Elahad, had moved from Darbhanga, Bihar to Calcutta in the mid-19th century.[1] After obtaining his M.B.B.S. degree he founded the Park Circus charitable dispensary in 1950, serving the poor and lower middle-class populations of the city. Obaidul Ghani contested the 1952 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election as an independent, standing in the Baniapukur Ballygung constituency.[2] He obtained 524 votes (0.88%).[2]
Obaidul Ghani represented the Entally constituency in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly 1957–1971, standing as a CPI candidate in the 1957, 1962, 1967 and 1969 elections.[3] As a politician, he obtained significant popularity for his provision of medical services to the poor people of Calcutta. He stayed with CPI in the 1964 split.[3] In August 1969 the Modern Furnishers Mazdoor Union was registered, with Obaidul Ghani as its president.[4] The union was affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress.[4]
He lost the Entally seat to Mohammed Nizamuddin of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the 1971 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election.[5] He managed to defeat Mohammed Nizamuddin in the 1972 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election and regained the Entally seat.[6]
Obaidul Ghani died following an attack of coronary thrombosis on 24 September 1973.[1] [7] [8] After Obaidul Ghani's death, a by-election was held for the Entally seat on 3 June 1974.[9] The by-poll was won by Sachindra Kumar Dhar.[9]
There is a road named "Dr. A.M.O. Ghani Road" in Ward 64 of Kolkata. Obaidul Ghani used to live on this road, which was previously known as 'Pearl Road'.[10] The new name was issued on 1 April 1974.[11] There is also a "Dr. A.M.O. Gani Memorial Primary School" and a "Dr. A.M.O. Gani Memorial Girls School" in Ballygunge.[12]