In a shocking incident, former Maharashtra minister and senior leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Baba Siddique, was shot dead on Saturday evening in Mumbai’s Bandra. The attack took place at the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, the MLA from Bandra East, around 9:30 pm.
According to sources, three bullets were fired at Baba Siddique, with at least one hitting him in the chest. The politician was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The police have taken two suspects into custody, one from Uttar Pradesh and another from Haryana, while a third suspect remains at large.
Maharashtra CM Condemns Attack
Expressing his grief, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed the incident “extremely unfortunate.” He stated that he had spoken to police officials and the medical team at the hospital. Shinde assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible, emphasizing, “A gang-war-like situation should not be allowed to resurface in Mumbai.”
The shooting incident comes just months ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, adding to the political tensions in the state.
Baba Siddique’s Political Career
Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA from Bandra West, was a seasoned politician with a 48-year-long association with the Congress party. He served as a minister of state for food and civil supplies, labor, and FDA between 2004 and 2008. In February 2024, Siddique left the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. His son, Zeeshan Siddique, was expelled from the Congress in August.
ALSO READ: Maharashtra Deputy Speaker, 3 MLAs jump off 3rd floor of Mantralaya building
Siddique was well-known not just for his political career but also for his high-profile social connections. In 2013, he famously hosted an iftar party that saw Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan resolve their differences.
Law and Order Concerns Raised
Following the attack, opposition leaders expressed concerns over the security situation in Mumbai. Baba Siddique had Y-level security, raising questions about how such an incident could occur in a well-guarded area like Bandra. Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, from the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, criticized the state government, saying, “If the ruling leaders are not safe in Maharashtra, how will common people feel secure?”
Reactions and Tributes
Baba Siddique’s death has sent shockwaves through the political and entertainment circles. Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt were seen at the hospital, paying their respects to the late leader. NCP spokesperson Brijmohan Shrivastav expressed shock at the news, stating that Siddique had not mentioned receiving any threats recently.
Investigation Ongoing
Mumbai police have launched a full-scale investigation into the assassination, focusing on tracking down the third suspect and uncovering the motive behind the attack. Law enforcement officials are looking into the possibility of political or personal enmity, as well as any gang-related elements.
This tragic incident raises significant questions about the law and order situation in Maharashtra, especially as the state gears up for crucial assembly elections later this year.
