Baba Siddique Murder Triggers Political Clash Between BJP and Opposition in Mumbai

The murder of Baba Siddique, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in Bandra, Mumbai, has sparked a heated political debate. The opposition and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchanged accusations following a viral social media post suggesting the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's involvement in the crime.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the case. One suspect is in police custody until October 21, while the other claims to be a minor, prompting a bone ossification test to verify age. Authorities are investigating whether political rivalry is a motive, given the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The Congress party has demanded a comprehensive investigation into Siddique's murder. They criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging them to resign over what they termed as a "law and order failure." The BJP countered by accusing the opposition of politicising the tragedy.

Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader, urged against politicising Siddique's murder. He emphasised that justice should be the priority. Siddique was killed by three assailants outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra on Saturday night.

Opposition's Criticism of Government

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi insisted on government accountability and called for a transparent investigation. "The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time," said Gandhi on X.

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed suspicion over the government's actions, including arrests related to Siddique's murder and other cases. Sharad Pawar of NCP SP echoed similar sentiments, criticising Fadnavis for prioritising power over addressing serious incidents.

Public Figures Respond

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal highlighted public fear due to Siddique's murder, comparing it to Delhi's situation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin condemned such acts as unacceptable in civil society. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav pointed to Maharashtra's deteriorating law and order situation.

BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain accused opposition leaders of making "petty statements" about the incident. "Baba Siddique was a great human being. We are all saddened by his murder," he stated.

Investigation Details

Mumbai police recovered two pistols and 28 live cartridges from suspects Gurmail Singh, 23, from Haryana, and a youth from Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district. Both lack criminal records there. A Delhi Police Special Cell team will assist Mumbai police in the investigation.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stressed unity over division during this time. "This is not the time for division or for exploiting the pain of others for political advantage," he said. Fadnavis mentioned that police have found leads in the case.

Siddique's Legacy

Baba Siddique was well-known in Bollywood circles and had close ties with stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sanjay Dutt. He gained recognition for providing life-saving medicines during the Covid pandemic and hosting grand Iftar parties attended by top actors.

Salman Khan was among several celebrities who paid respects at Siddique's Bandra residence on Sunday. After decades with Congress, Siddique joined Ajit Pawar’s NCP earlier this year, having previously won from Bandra West assembly seat multiple times.