'Shocked... He was family': Congress leader Priya Dutt writes a heartfelt note to mentor Baba Siddique

Congress leader Priya Dutt writes a heartfelt note to mentor Baba Siddique

NEW DELHI: Priya Duttformer Lok Sabha member and Congress leader, expressed his deep sadness on Sunday over the demise of the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiquewhom he considered more than a political colleague, but part of his family.

“Today I am shaken by the news of the tragic death of Baba Siddique, it shocked me. Baba was more than a political associate; he was family,” wrote Priya Dutt on X (formerly Twitter).
Dutt revealed that Siddique had a close relationship with his father Sunil Dutt, who treated him like a son. She also shared that Siddique was a dear brother and friend to her, providing guidance and support throughout her political journey.
Sunil Dutt, a former MP, was instrumental in bringing Siddique into the Congress party, and Siddique, in turn, played a significant role in guiding Priya Dutt’s career.
“To my father, Baba Siddique was like a son, and to me he was a brother and a dear friend. Throughout my father’s political journey and beyond, he remained steadfast, by his side. When I entered politics, he guided him through its ups and downs, offering his unwavering support,” the Congress leader added.
Expressing her deep sadness, Priya Dutt compared the loss of Baba Siddique to the death of a family member. She extended her heartfelt condolences to Siddique’s wife, son Zeeshan, and daughter Arshia, praying for their strength during this difficult time.
Dutt concluded his message by wishing eternal peace to Siddique’s soul and bidding farewell to his dear brother.
Baba Siddique started his political career at a young age. He joined Congress as a teenager in 1977 and served as a corporator for two terms, from 1992 to 1997.
Siddique was married to Shehzeen Siddique and they have two children: a son named Zeeshan, who is an MLA, and a daughter named Arshia Siddique. As president of Mumbai Mhada, Siddique was actively involved in issues relating to real estate and slum development.
Throughout his political career, Siddique held several positions. He served as MLA in 1999, 2004 and 2009. Additionally, he was minister of state for food and civil supplies, labor and FDA in the state government from 2004 to 2008.
Siddique also served as a municipal corporator for two terms and held leadership positions within the Congress party, including president and senior vice-president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee and parliamentary council member of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.