Baba Siddique?
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about law and order in Mumbai, former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The shooting occurred outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, who is the MLA from Bandra East. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the incident, including who Baba Siddique was, why the attack happened, and its broader implications.
What Happened to Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique, a seasoned politician and member of Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot multiple times on the evening of October 7, 2023. Sources say three bullets were fired at him around 9:30 PM near his son’s office in the upscale area of Bandra East, Mumbai. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting, while another suspect remains at large.
Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, but unfortunately, one of the bullets hit him in the chest, and he succumbed to his injuries. One of his aides also sustained injuries during the attack.
When and Where Did the Attack Occur?
The fatal shooting took place on the night of October 7, 2023, in Bandra East, Mumbai, an affluent part of the city. The attack occurred near the office of Zeeshan Siddique, Baba Siddique’s son, who is currently an MLA from Bandra East.
Why Was Baba Siddique Targeted?
At this time, it remains unclear what the exact motive behind the shooting was. According to NCP Spokesperson Brijmohan Shrivastav, Siddique had not mentioned any threats prior to the incident. Authorities are investigating the situation, with Mumbai Police on high alert. Gang-related activity is suspected, as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged police to prevent “a gang-war-like situation” from re-emerging in the city.
Siddique had been an influential figure in Mumbai’s political scene, having served as an MLA for the Bandra West constituency three times between 1999 and 2009. He recently made headlines when he left the Indian National Congress (INC) in February 2023 to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, a decision that came just months before the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Who Was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique was a prominent political leader in Maharashtra, known for his long-standing association with the Congress party. He served as an MLA from Bandra West for three terms and held various government positions, including Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA between 2004 and 2008.
Siddique was also known for his social connections, particularly in Bollywood. In 2013, he famously hosted an Iftar party that helped end a public feud between Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
His son, Zeeshan Siddique, is currently an MLA from Bandra East and has also faced his share of political controversies, including his expulsion from the Congress party in August 2023.
What Are the Immediate Reactions?
The assassination of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed their shock and grief over the incident. Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister and leader of Siddique’s new political faction, described the murder as a personal loss, calling Siddique “a good colleague and friend.”
Additionally, opposition leaders have voiced concerns about the state of law and order in Mumbai. Anil Deshmukh, a senior leader of the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, questioned how a politician with Y-level security could be killed in such a public place. He pointed out the broader implications of the murder, noting that if political leaders are not safe, the general public might feel even more vulnerable.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
The police have arrested two suspects, one from Uttar Pradesh and another from Haryana. They are currently searching for a third individual who is believed to have been involved in the attack. Chief Minister Shinde has instructed law enforcement to take strict action and ensure that such violent incidents do not escalate into a larger gang war situation in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, the case is being closely followed by political observers as the Maharashtra Assembly elections loom closer. The assassination of a high-profile political figure like Siddique is expected to have ripple effects across the state’s political dynamics, especially within the factions of the NCP and the Congress.
What Are the Broader Impacts?
Baba Siddique’s death raises serious questions about the security and stability of political leaders in Mumbai. His assassination could reignite concerns about the city’s history of gang violence and political rivalry, issues that had been largely under control in recent years.
The timing of the incident, just months before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, could also influence the political climate, potentially affecting voter sentiment and party strategies. Political leaders across party lines are likely to call for tighter security measures, especially for those in public office.
