Maharashtra’s Contrasting Funerals: Tata and Siddique

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Maharashtra recently held two state funerals, honoring Ratan Tata and Baba Siddique. Ratan Tata was accorded state honors on October 10, while Baba Siddique received the same three days later. This has led to questions about why both individuals were given the same recognition.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

In a remarkable turn of events, Maharashtra recently hosted two state funerals, presenting a stark contrast. On October 10, industrialist Ratan Tata was cremated with state honors. Just three days later, Baba Siddique, a three-time former MLA, received the same distinction. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised Tata as a “unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship.” Under Tata’s leadership, India witnessed significant achievements in the industrial sector.

Ratan Tata’s tenure marked the introduction of the first truly Indian car, Indica, in 1998. He also brought forth the Nano, the world’s cheapest car. The Tata Group expanded globally under his guidance, acquiring Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Corus, transforming the company into a $100 billion entity with operations in over 100 countries.

However, the honors given to Baba Siddique have raised several questions. He was already under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged links to criminal activities. Critics speculate that the decision to accord state honors to Siddique stems from political motivations. Known for hosting lavish iftar parties, his claim to fame is uniting Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in 2013.

Author Madhu Purnima Kishwar described the honors for Siddique as “utterly disgraceful.” She emphasized that this reflects the electoral politics of “vote banks,” especially with Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly elections.

While opposition parties have questioned the law-and-order situation in the state post-Siddique’s murder, they have remained silent on the state honors for him. Some view this as politically motivated since Siddique switched from Congress to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, now part of the Shinde government.

Thus, equating the state funerals of Ratan Tata and Baba Siddique presents a controversial narrative. Is it fair for Ratan Tata to be mentioned alongside such a controversial figure? This juxtaposition raises a significant question about the values reflected in Maharashtra’s political landscape.