Baba Siddique, a former minister and NCP leader, was fatally shot on October 12, 2024, near his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra, Mumbai. Shortly after the incident, a viral social media post surfaced, allegedly from a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming responsibility for the attack. The Mumbai police are investigating the post’s authenticity to confirm any connection between the gang and the murder.
While in Jail, Lawrence Bishnoi took upon himself the responsibility of handling Baba Siddique murder case.
Baba Siddique : A Biography
Baba Siddique is a prominent Indian politician associated with the Indian National Congress (INC) party. He is known for his work in the Mumbai region, particularly in the Bandra area. Siddique has served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and has been involved in various social and community initiatives. He gained wider recognition for his annual Iftar parties during Ramadan, which bring together people from different communities, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders. This initiative promotes communal harmony and showcases his influence in the social and political landscape of Mumbai.
Early Life and Education
Baba Siddique was born into a Muslim family in Mumbai. Although information about his early life, education, and personal background is limited, it is known that he grew up in Mumbai’s cosmopolitan environment. Over time, Siddique became well-connected with Mumbai’s political and cultural circles, which would later aid him in building a career in politics.
Political Career
Siddique’s political journey began with student politics. He gradually rose through the ranks of the Congress Party, gaining prominence in the Bandra West constituency, an area known for its diverse population and socio-economic dynamics.
Key Highlights:
- Three-time MLA: Siddique served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bandra West in 1999, 2004, and 2009, representing the INC.
- As an MLA, he focused on development projects, infrastructure improvements, and social initiatives in the constituency. His work also involved supporting the underprivileged and minority communities in Mumbai.
- Municipal Politics: Before becoming an MLA, he was elected to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and actively worked at the grassroots level.
Baba Siddique lost his MLA seat in subsequent elections as political competition in the Bandra West constituency intensified with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena. Despite electoral setbacks, he remains an influential figure in Mumbai’s socio-political landscape.
Iftar Party Tradition and Celebrity Connections
One of Baba Siddique’s most prominent social initiatives is his annual Iftar party, which he started hosting during Ramadan. Over the years, these events have gained immense popularity, becoming a meeting point for Bollywood celebrities, business leaders, and politicians.
- The event became widely publicized when Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, two Bollywood superstars with a strained relationship, were seen embracing and reconciling at the party in 2013.
- The Iftar parties symbolize communal unity and have made Siddique a familiar name beyond the political sphere, especially in the world of entertainment.
Family and Personal Life
Baba Siddique has a son, Zeeshan Siddique, who has followed in his father’s footsteps and is currently involved in politics. Zeeshan represents the Bandra East constituency as a young leader of the INC, continuing the family’s political legacy. Baba Siddique maintains a strong relationship with both the political class and the film industry, making him a well-connected public figure in Mumbai.
Conclusion
Baba Siddique’s career reflects a blend of grassroots politics, public service, and social networking. Though he faced challenges in electoral politics, he has managed to remain relevant due to his influential network and initiatives like the Iftar party, which bridge communities and reinforce his image as a unifier in Mumbai’s diverse society.
