'Horrible': Leaders condemn Baba Siddique's murder

Political leaders across the country have condemned the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was shot dead by three unidentified assailants outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office , near the Colgate grounds in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai, on Saturday night.

The attackers fired two to three shots at Siddique. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. “This is an extremely unfortunate incident. The accused are from UP and Haryana. The third accused is at large,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This horrific incident exposes the complete breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility and justice must prevail.”

NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar said, “The situation of breakdown of law and order in the state is a matter of concern. The murder of former state minister Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai, the financial capital of the country, is regrettable. If the Interior Minister and government officials continue to manage the state in such a soft manner, this could be an alarm signal for ordinary people.”

He added: “It is necessary not only to investigate this, but also to accept responsibility and renounce the position of those in power.” Pawar also paid a “heartfelt tribute” to Siddique, offering condolences to his family.

Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), said: “Truly devastating news of two deaths on the same day. The murder of Baba Siddique is highly condemnable. It reflects the deteriorating state of law and order in Maharashtra. May Allah grant him maghfirah. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Owaisi also drew attention to the death of Professor Saibaba, saying: “His death was also partly a result of UAPA, which allows police officers to keep you in prison for long periods without any evidence.”

Maharashtra MP CM Ajit Pawar described the murder as “a cowardly attack” and said he was “shocked” by the death of his colleague. “The incident of shooting of NCP leader, former state minister, my colleague Baba Siddiqui, is very unfortunate, condemnable and painful. I was shocked to learn that he died in this incident. I lost a good colleague, friend,” Pawar said.

“The mastermind behind the attack will be located. With the passing away of Baba Siddiqui, we have lost a good leader who fought for minority brethren and fought for pan-religious harmony. His death is a great loss for the NCP,” he added, extending his condolences to Siddique’s son Zeeshan and his family.

Deputy CM of Karnataka and Congress president DK Shivakumar said, “The tragic demise of former Maharashtra minister Shri Baba Siddique today has left me shocked and deeply saddened. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his son Zeeshan Siddique, his family and supporters. I hope this incident is fully investigated to arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime so that justice can be served.”

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal said, “Shocked, stunned and outraged by the murder of Baba Siddique ji. Siddique ji served the people with dedication and worked hard to preserve communal harmony. His death is a huge loss to the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra. This incident is a serious indictment of the dilapidated law and order situation in Maharashtra.”

Venugopal further said that Siddique had already alerted authorities about threats to his life despite being under Y-plus security. “The fact that this shooting took place on the road, in the middle of busy markets, shows that criminals no longer fear the law in Maharashtra. Even the leaders of the ruling alliance are no longer safe in the heart of their capital. The ruling regime must respond: when important public figures are not safe, how will ordinary citizens feel safe today?”

Former CM of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan said, “The news of the murder of my close friend, former minister Baba Siddiqui, is very shocking and tragic. We work together in the legislature and the cabinet. His leadership was linked to the people and universally accepted in all societies. I lost a good and bold friend with the untimely death of Baba Siddiqui. I am deeply saddened by his sudden passing. It is with regret that I pay tribute to him.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered his condolences, saying, “The tragic death of former Maharashtra minister Shri Baba Siddique is shocking beyond words. In this hour of mourning, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and supporters. Justice must be ensured and the current Government of Maharashtra must order a thorough and transparent investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable as soon as possible. Accountability is key.”

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “I pray to God to give the deceased a high place in heaven and give patience and courage to the family. What name will you give to these criminal incidents that are continuously happening in Maharashtra under the NDA rule?”