Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui was shot dead in Mumbai’s Bandra area on Saturday. The 66-year-old politician, who had recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP, was attacked by three gunmen outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office near Colgate Ground in Nirmal Nagar. Siddiqui succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital, leaving the political landscape of Maharashtra in shock.
Two suspects, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been arrested in connection with the murder, while a third suspect managed to escape. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar is overseeing the investigation, and a thorough probe has been promised.
Baba Siddiqui, a prominent Muslim leader who served as an MLA from Bandra (West) three times, was well-known in both political and Bollywood circles. His assassination has not only sparked outrage but also raised serious concerns about the state’s law and order, especially with the upcoming assembly elections looming.
Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar expressed his grief, calling the attack “extremely unfortunate and condemnable.” Pawar highlighted Siddiqui’s contributions to the minority community and secularism in Maharashtra. Opposition parties have swiftly condemned the incident, using it as a focal point to criticize the state’s handling of law and order.
Sharad Pawar, president of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), voiced his concerns over the deteriorating security situation, holding Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the home department, accountable. Pawar stated that the ruling government should take responsibility and step down.
Several political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, echoed similar sentiments, calling the murder a reflection of the “collapse of administration” in the state. Thackeray and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat emphasized that the assassination of a leader with Y-category security underlined the serious lapses in the state’s governance.
Siddiqui’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political arena, with leaders from across the spectrum expressing their grief and concern. As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on the state government to restore public confidence ahead of the elections.