Sena, BJP demand Siddiqui's removal for proximity with Dutt

Mumbai, Aug 27 (UNI) Against the backdrop of the action taken against nine cops for shaking hands with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, the Shiv Sena-BJP combine has demanded removal of Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Baba Siddiqui for being ''close to Dutt''.

Leaders of both the parties -- Diwakar Raote of the Sena and Madhu Chavan of the BJP -- have issued press releases stating that when the goverment has been prompt in taking action against the cops, what action was it contemplating against Mr Siddiqui who has always been seen beside Dutt.

Mr Siddiqui is a Congress MLA who represents the Bandra assembly constituency which falls in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency that is represented by Sanjay Dutt's sister Priya Dutt, Mr Siddiqui is considered to be very close to the Dutt family.

When contacted for his comments, Mr Siddiqui said he has always supported the Bollywood actor since he is a family friend and not in his capacity as a minister.

UNI