The killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai on Saturday night has sparked a political outcry, with opposition leaders criticizing the Maharashtra government for failing to maintain law and order. Siddique, a member of Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra and succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital later that night.
Priyanka Chaturvedi Blames Intelligence Failure
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her shock and dismay over the murder, calling it a clear indication of the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. “Baba Siddique was a respected leader across parties. It saddened me when I heard about it,” she said. Chaturvedi further criticized the state’s intelligence agencies, noting that Siddique had reported receiving threats and had been given Y-category security. Despite this, his murder still occurred. “What has happened to our intelligence agencies? What has happened to the Mumbai Police?” she asked.
Congress Leaders Express Concerns
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate echoed concerns over the state’s law enforcement. She highlighted the fact that Siddique had Y+ security with NSG personnel and questioned how such a security breach could happen. Shrinate also pointed out that a major political event in Bandra, attended by a Railway Minister from the ruling party, went ahead despite Siddique’s murder. “For the sake of humanity, you could have cancelled that event,” she said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari also condemned the murder, demanding swift and strict punishment for those behind the crime. He called the incident an alarming example of the state’s law and order situation.
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj compared the law and order situation in Maharashtra to that of Delhi, warning that both states are witnessing rising crime under BJP leadership. Bharadwaj accused the central and state governments of focusing too much on politics instead of governance. “So many gangsters have become active in Delhi and Mumbai. Is the government encouraging them? This is a very serious situation,” he remarked.
The opposition’s sharp criticism has highlighted growing concerns over Maharashtra’s law and order situation. With political leaders calling for action and accountability, the state government faces increasing pressure to ensure justice for Baba Siddique and restore confidence in the safety of its citizens. Further developments in the investigation are awaited as authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice.