In a somber directive, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a state funeral for former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, who was shot dead on Saturday evening. The 66-year-old leader was gunned down outside the Bandra office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, and later succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital.
The attack, which involved three assailants, has left political leaders across the spectrum in shock. Two suspects have been apprehended by Mumbai Police, while a third remains at large. The killing of Siddique, a prominent political figure who served three terms as the MLA for Bandra (West), comes as Maharashtra braces for upcoming assembly elections, heightening political tensions.
Chief Minister Shinde expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for a full-scale investigation into the murder. “This is an extremely tragic and serious incident. We will ensure a thorough inquiry and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Shinde said in a public statement.
NCP chief Ajit Pawar also condemned the attack, describing it as a blow to the state’s political landscape. “Baba Siddique was not just a leader; he was a voice for the people. His death is a major loss for Maharashtra,” Pawar said.
Opposition leaders, including Congress’ Balasaheb Thorat and Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray, voiced their concerns about the state’s security situation. “If a leader with Y-category security can be targeted like this, what does it say about the safety of ordinary citizens?” questioned Thackeray, calling for the resignation of Shinde and his deputies.
Siddique, who recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP after resigning from the Congress earlier this year, was a popular figure not just in politics but also among Mumbai’s social circles. Known for his strong ties with Bollywood celebrities and for hosting grand Iftar parties, his death has sent shockwaves through both political and social spheres.
As investigations continue, Siddique’s funeral is expected to be attended by political leaders and public figures from across the state, honoring the legacy of a man who shaped the political landscape of Maharashtra for decades.
