Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) associated with the Ajit Pawar faction, was shot dead on Saturday night in a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Maharashtra. The 66-year-old politician was ambushed by three assailants near Kher Nagar, just outside his son’s office, around 9:30 PM. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
In his final post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Siddique had wished his followers a “Happy Dussehra,” expressing hopes for happiness, peace, and prosperity. This post, which has since gone viral, now serves as a haunting reminder of his last public engagement.
Earlier in the week, Siddique had also paid tribute to Ratan Tata, the Tata Group Chairman Emeritus, who passed away on October 9 in Mumbai. This gesture highlighted Siddique’s connections within the business and political communities, further underscoring the loss felt by many.
The brutal nature of Siddique’s murder has prompted strong reactions from various political leaders, particularly from the opposition Congress party. They have launched a scathing attack on the current NDA government in Maharashtra, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Congress leaders assert that Siddique’s killing reflects a severe deterioration in the state’s law and order situation.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deep shock over the incident, stating, “The tragic demise of Siddique is shocking beyond words. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.” He demanded a thorough and transparent investigation, insisting that justice must be served and that the culprits be brought to account swiftly.
K C Venugopal, Congress General Secretary in charge of organisation, echoed these sentiments, describing himself as “shocked, stunned and outraged” at Siddique’s killing. He praised Siddique’s dedication to public service and communal harmony, stating that his passing is a significant loss for the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
In the wake of this shocking incident, the Mumbai Police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the murder of Baba Siddique. As investigations unfold, law enforcement officials are expected to delve into the motive behind the attack, which remains unclear at this stage.
The political ramifications of Siddique’s murder are likely to resonate throughout Maharashtra, as questions regarding safety and security come to the forefront. The opposition’s calls for accountability and reform in the law enforcement agencies will likely intensify as the investigation progresses.
Baba Siddique’s untimely death marks a tragic chapter in Maharashtra’s political history. Known for his lavish iftar parties attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities, he was a significant figure in both politics and community relations. As the state grapples with the implications of this incident, the demand for justice and a reassessment of security measures is expected to dominate the political discourse in the coming days.