In Shorts:
- Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead in Mumbai.
- The 65-year-old leader was known for his social influence, especially for hosting grand iftar parties.
- Siddique recently left Congress to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.
Baba Siddique Murdered in Mumbai: The End of a Prominent Leader
Former Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai on Saturday. Siddique, 65, was attacked by unidentified assailants while sitting inside his car in Bandra East. The killing has sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s political and social circles.
Who Was Baba Siddique?
Born on September 13, 1959, in Patna, Baba Siddique spent most of his life in Mumbai. He joined the Congress as a teenager in 1977 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his strong ties with the local electorate.
By 1980, Siddique had become the General Secretary of the Bandra Youth Congress and was elected its president within two years. In 1988, he became the President of Mumbai Youth Congress and later, in 1992, was elected Municipal Councillor.
In 1999, Siddique won his first election as an MLA from Bandra West, a seat he held for three consecutive terms until 2014. During his tenure, Siddique worked extensively to improve the constituency’s infrastructure, focusing on slum rehabilitation, healthcare upgrades, and enhancing educational facilities.
Siddique’s Famous Iftar Parties
Baba Siddique was widely recognized for hosting grand iftar parties, which became a hallmark of his political career. These gatherings showcased cultural harmony and brought together political leaders from various parties, Bollywood celebrities, and business figures.
The 2013 iftar party particularly stood out, as Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan ended their five-year-long cold war with a warm hug. Siddique was credited with facilitating peace between the two Khans.
Political Setbacks and Departure from Congress
Despite remaining a significant figure in Mumbai’s political scene, Siddique faced a major setback in 2014 when he lost the Bandra West seat in the Maharashtra state elections. Nevertheless, he remained active in public life, working behind the scenes in Congress and continuing his involvement in social causes.
Earlier this year, in February, Siddique left Congress to join the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a move that stirred political discussions.
