Opposition leaders have strongly criticised the state government following the incident, with many calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies
Baba Siddique, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister, was fatally shot on Saturday night outside the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, near Colgate Ground in Bandra East, Mumbai. The attack occurred just 15 days after Siddique had reported receiving death threats, prompting authorities to upgrade his security to ‘Y’ category. Despite this precaution, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to Lilavati Hospital.
According to Mumbai Police, two of the three assailants involved in the attack have been arrested. One suspect, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, and another from Haryana, are now in custody, while a third remains at large.
Opposition leaders have strongly criticised the state government following the incident, with many calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. They questioned how the government could ensure the safety of common citizens if it failed to protect a political figure with enhanced security.
In a statement, Congress leader KC Venugopal expressed concern over the state of law and order in Maharashtra, describing Siddique’s death as a “massive loss” for the state. “This incident is a serious indictment of the crumbling law and order situation in Maharashtra. Siddique ji had on multiple occasions informed authorities about the threats to his life, yet he was killed despite having Y-plus security. The fact that this attack happened in a busy public space shows that criminals no longer fear the law in Maharashtra,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar concerns, questioning the safety of the public. “It is very disturbing that Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA with Y security, was shot dead in Mumbai. If this could happen to a known personality, how can ordinary citizens feel safe?” she said.
Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader from Mumbai, was well-known for his close ties with Bollywood celebrities. His death has sent shockwaves across political and social circles. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressing his condolences, described the attack as “extremely unfortunate and condemnable.” Pawar, who called Siddique a “good friend and colleague,” vowed that a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also addressed the situation, stating that Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar had informed him about the arrest of two alleged shooters, while efforts were underway to track down the third suspect. Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio in the state government, arrived at Lilavati Hospital shortly after the shooting.
Baba Siddique had only recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP earlier this year. His death has left a void in Maharashtra politics, with many remembering him as a leader who fought for the rights of the minority community and championed secularism.
