NCP Leader Baba Siddique Assassinated: A Political Tremor in Maharashtra

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the city of Mumbai was rocked by the assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Siddique was gunned down by three assailants outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East, a crime that has left the political community and citizens alike in shock. The brutal murder raises questions about political safety, business rivalries, and the larger ramifications for Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly elections.

Details of the Incident: A Coordinated Attack

Initial reports indicate that three gunmen opened fire on Baba Siddique as he stood outside his son’s office in the Neelamnagar area. Witnesses reported the sound of multiple gunshots, and Siddique was immediately rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. According to medical professionals, he sustained at least two gunshot wounds to the chest.

Mumbai Police quickly launched a large-scale investigation into the incident. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that two of the suspects have been apprehended — one from Uttar Pradesh and another from Haryana — while the third remains at large. The involvement of out-of-state individuals has added layers of complexity to the case, fueling speculation about the motives behind the murder.

A Political Giant: Who Was Baba Siddique?

Baba Siddique’s assassination marks the end of a long and influential political career. A three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Mumbai’s Bandra West constituency, Siddique’s political journey began in his teenage years when he joined the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Indian National Congress. His rise was meteoric, serving as a municipal corporator before becoming an MLA in 1999. He was re-elected in both 2004 and 2009, securing a firm grip on the Bandra West constituency until he lost the seat to Ashish Shelar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014.

During his time in office, Siddique served as the Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Consumer Protection under the Congress-NCP coalition government. His contributions extended beyond legislative duties, as he held a key role in Maharashtra’s public welfare initiatives, including his tenure as the President of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

Motives Behind the Assassination: Political or Business?

As the investigation deepens, speculation surrounds the motives behind the murder. Maharashtra’s crime branch has taken over the probe, investigating multiple angles including business rivalry, contract killing, and potential disputes over a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project. Some reports suggest that Siddique’s involvement in significant real estate ventures may have sparked business-related enmities, which culminated in his assassination.

Although certain factions initially raised the possibility of political motivations behind the killing, Nationalist Congress Party-SCP leader Majeed Memon dispelled such rumors. He remarked that the attack did not seem politically driven, stating, “There could be business-related enmity that got him killed as he was a successful businessman.”

The Political Fallout: Reactions from Key Figures

The assassination has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially as the state gears up for critical assembly elections. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar addressed the media on Sunday, expressing concern over the current political climate. He highlighted growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling Mahayuti government, led by the BJP and Shiv Sena, and predicted that this sentiment would be reflected in the upcoming elections.

Pawar's concerns were echoed by other opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, who criticized the government’s handling of law and order in the state. She drew comparisons to the 1990s when gangster rivalries plagued Mumbai, claiming that the current administration had failed to maintain safety.

Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), also condemned the government’s failure to protect Siddique, especially given that he had voiced concerns about threats to his life prior to the attack. Kharge called it “a major lapse on the part of the administration” and urged immediate reforms in Mumbai’s security apparatus.

A Tragic Loss: The Funeral and Legacy

In recognition of his contributions to Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Baba Siddique’s funeral would be conducted with full state honors. This decision underscores the high regard in which Siddique was held, not only for his political achievements but also for his dedication to public service. His legacy as a minister who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people will continue to be remembered.

Justice and Accountability: The Road Ahead

As Maharashtra reels from this tragic loss, the BJP has assured the public that those responsible will be brought to justice. BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain stated, “Baba Siddique was a great human being, and we are deeply saddened by his murder. The two suspects have been caught, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third assailant.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has revealed that some leads have been found in the investigation, but he withheld further details until the legal procedures are completed. The crime branch has also confirmed that six rounds of bullets were fired, three of which struck Siddique.

As the investigation continues, the public eagerly awaits answers. The killing of such a prominent figure has not only highlighted potential business rivalries but has also shone a light on the broader issues of safety and security in Mumbai. The tragic event may well influence the political landscape in the run-up to the state elections, as leaders and citizens alike call for accountability, justice, and change.