Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured strict action following the shocking murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. Addressing the media, Shinde confirmed that two suspects, belonging to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been detained, while a manhunt is ongoing for a third assailant.
"This is an extremely unfortunate incident and I spoke to the doctors and police. Two people have been arrested, the accused are from UP and Haryana. The third accused is absconding. We have given instructions to Mumbai Police that strict action should be taken against those who take law and order into their hands...I am sure that Mumbai police will soon arrest the third accused...Strict action will be taken against the accused," he said.
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar stated he was pained by Siddique's demise, "The incident of the shooting of my long-time colleague Baba Siddique, a former minister and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, is extremely unfortunate, condemnable, and painful. I was shocked to learn of his passing in this incident. I have lost a good colleague and friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Baba Siddique."
"A thorough investigation will be conducted into this incident, and strict action will be taken against the assailants. The mastermind behind the attack will also be identified. With the passing of Baba Siddique, we have lost a good leader who fought for the rights of minorities and worked for communal harmony. His demise is a significant loss for the Nationalist Congress Party. I share in the grief of Zishan Siddique, the Siddique family, and their supporters," he added.
In the wake of the incident, Maharashtra's Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with senior police officials, visited Lilavati Hospital, where Siddique was taken after the shooting. Siddique succumbed to his injuries, having been attacked by unidentified assailants.
NCP MP Praful Patel expressed condolences as he slammed the deadly attack, "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the demise of senior NCP leader Baba Siddique Ji. This cowardly and heinous crime must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should not be spared. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."
The Mumbai Congress also expressed its sorrow over Siddique's death, tweeting, "The Mumbai Congress is deeply saddened by the passing of Baba Siddique Ji. His tireless service to the people and his dedication to the community will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."
BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain shared his condolences on social media, stating, "Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique. May the Almighty give his family the strength to bear this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them."
Amidst the outpouring of condolences, criticisms of the Maharashtra government intensified.
Baba Siddique Murder: Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule Slam 'Collapsed Law And Order Situation'
Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar slammed the 'collapsed' law and order situation in the state, "The collapsed law and order situation in the state is a matter of concern. The shooting of former state minister Baba Siddique in the country's financial capital, Mumbai, is regrettable. If the Home Minister and those in power continue to govern the state with such leniency, it could become a warning bell for the common people. It is not enough to merely conduct an inquiry; those in power need to take responsibility and step down from their positions. I extend my heartfelt tributes to Baba Siddique and express my condolences to his family."
NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule expressed shock over the development and wrote, "Shocking news! Baba Siddique is no more. Reportedly he was shot dead. This is absolutely unacceptable when a member of the ruling govt alliance is unsafe & killed in his own son’s office that too in Mumbai, it speaks volumes about the law and order state in Maharashtra!"
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray echoed similar sentiments as he wrote, "The murder of Baba Siddiqui ji is shocking. We pray for his soul to rest in peace and send our condolences to his family and friends. This, sadly reflects on the law and order situation in Maharashtra. The complete collapse of administration, law and order."
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed that the murder happened even as the former minister had Y category security, "This painful incident has come to light regarding Baba Siddiqui ji, who has been a former minister, has been a 3-term MLA, who had Y security category security, has been murdered in broad daylight in an area like Bandra in Mumbai through contract killing. The question that is being raised is where is the law and order in Mumbai today? Today, if a protected is murdered in this manner, then the question arises of how safe will the common people feel..."
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole remarked, "This is an unfortunate incident. This is a result of the support the Maharashtra government gives to the criminals...It is clear that a person like Baba Siddique is also not safe in Maharashtra."
Clyde Crasto, NCP-SP leader and national spokesperson, expressed grave concern regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra.
He stated, "The news about Baba Siddique is very disturbing. The concern here is that the law and order situation in Maharashtra is going really down and it has failed. The BJP-led Mahayuti needs to answer to the people of Maharashtra why they have failed to bring law & order under control. People are taking the law into their own hands and feel free to do what they want because there is no fear of the law. The Home Department led by Devendra Fadnavis seems to have failed..."
Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA from Bandra West, had joined Ajit Pawar's NCP in February after departing from the Congress.