Mumbai: In a shocking and tragic event, former MLA Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra East area on Saturday (October 12) night.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Maharashtra. The shooting took place around 9 PM on October 12 in front of the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, who is also an MLA.
According to initial reports, Siddique was targeted with three to four rounds of gunfire, one of which fatally struck his chest. It has come to light that Siddique had received a threatening message just 15 days prior to the incident, raising concerns about his security.
Despite these threats, Siddique was shot at close range, leading to his death on the spot. Baba Siddique, who had been a key figure in Mumbai's political arena, shocked many when he switched allegiance from Congress to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP just eight months ago.
Prior to this, Siddique had spent an illustrious 48 years in the Congress Party and was elected MLA from the Bandra East constituency three times in a row. During his tenure, he also held a ministerial position in the previous coalition government.
The assassination of Baba Siddique has left political circles in turmoil, with many leaders expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the incident. The Nirmal Nagar police have already taken two suspects into custody in connection with the shooting, but further investigations are ongoing.
Baba Siddique's political journey began as a municipal corporator in Mumbai, a role that eventually led him to become a prominent MLA. His influence extended beyond politics, as he maintained close ties with Bollywood personalities. His annual Iftar parties were a grand affair, regularly attended by celebrities and political leaders alike.
Siddique’s entry into Congress dates back to 1977. In 1988, he was appointed president of the Mumbai Youth Congress. Four years later, he was elected as a municipal corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a post he was re-elected to five years later.
His influence, popularity, and connections made him a significant figure not only in Mumbai's political landscape but also in the social and entertainment circles.