The political scene in Maharashtra erupted after the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, with opposition leaders launching sharp attacks on the government. Siddique was shot dead on October 12, 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office during Dussehra celebrations. He sustained two bullet wounds to the chest and, despite emergency treatment at Lilavati Hospital, was declared dead late Saturday night.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar was scathing in his remarks: “If a ruling party’s leader can be shot dead, then the safety of common people has become a big question in Mumbai… Is Mumbai again becoming a crime hub? Is Maharashtra going in the direction of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?” Wadettiwar did not hold back, demanding Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis take responsibility for the incident and resign: “The way crime rates have increased in Maharashtra, he should take responsibility”.
The Maharashtra government has come under intense scrutiny, with criticism extending beyond the Congress. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described the murder as a “shameful” reflection of the state’s law and order. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey joined the call for accountability, stating: “If Devendra Fadnavis doesn’t resign, the governor must seek his resignation. If their own leaders aren’t safe, how will they protect the public?”.
In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that the police were acting swiftly. “Two suspects involved in the killing have been arrested, and a third is on the run. Strict action will be taken, and nobody will be spared,” Shinde announced. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his condolences: “We lost a good colleague and friend. This case will be thoroughly investigated, and the mastermind behind the attack will be caught”.
Dr. Jalil Parkar from Lilavati Hospital recounted the efforts to save Siddique: “He was brought to the emergency room around 9:30 PM. His pulse and blood pressure were unrecordable, and the ECG showed a flat line. We shifted him to the ICU, but he was declared dead at 11:27 PM”. Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale confirmed that Siddique had sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest, adding that further details would emerge after the postmortem examination.
The murder has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, raising questions about the state’s deteriorating law and order just weeks before the assembly elections. With political violence seemingly on the rise, the incident has put the government under pressure to restore public confidence.
Also read: Uddhav Challenges Mahayuti To Reveal CM Candidate First
As the investigation unfolds, the police are exploring multiple angles, including business rivalry and contract killing. The opposition’s call for accountability—particularly targeting Chief Minister Shinde and Home Minister Fadnavis—signals heightened political tension in the lead-up to the elections, with law and order now a critical campaign issue.
