Shri. Cherkalam Abdullah, senior Muslim League leader, was born as the son of Shri. Barikad Muhammed Haji and Smt. Asyamma on 15th September 1942 at Cherkalam.

He entered politics by participating in the activities of the Muslim Youth League and was the General Secretary, and later President of Kannur District Muslim Youth League.

Shri. Abdullah became elected to the KLA in 1987 from Manjeswar constituency contesting as a Muslim League candidate. In the succeeding Assembly polls held in 1991, 1996 and 2001 also, he won the Manjeswar seat.

Shri. Abdullah served as the Minister for Local Self Government from 26.5.2001 to 29.8.2004 in the Ministry headed by Shri. A.K. Antony. He has also a remarkable stint as the Chairman of the Committee on the Welfare of the Backward Class Communities.

Shri. Abdullah has served at different times, as the Joint Secretary, IUML, Kannur District, President, General Secretary, IUML, Kasargod District, Secretariat member, IUML, Kerala State. He was also the Chairman of UDF, Kasargod District Liaison Committee. Besides, he has been Member, Kasargod District Council, Calicut University Senate, and District Sports Council. He is Chairman, Backward class Ekopana Samithi, Kasargod, Manjeswaram Orphanage and C.H. Mohammed Koya Centre for Development, Education, Science and Technology.

Smt. Ayisha is his wife and they have two sons and two daughters.