Zeeshan Siddique, expelled by Congress, joins Ajit Pawar’s NCP, intensifying Maharashtra’s election race.
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Baba Siddique, has joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This move comes shortly after Zeeshan was expelled from the Congress in August 2024 for cross-voting in a legislative council election.
Zeeshan Siddique, a prominent figure in Mumbai politics and the sitting MLA from Vandre (East), was seen as a potential game-changer in the electoral race. He had previously won the 2019 elections on a Congress ticket but found himself ousted after a fallout with party leadership. His decision to align with Ajit Pawar’s NCP ahead of the Assembly elections signals his determination to maintain his political influence, especially as the state gears up for a high-stakes battle in November 2024.
This development also follows a tragic event in the Zeeshan Siddique family. On October 12, 2024, Zeeshan’s father, Baba Siddique, a senior NCP leader and former minister, was shot dead in an attack outside his office in Mumbai. This high-profile assassination shocked the political landscape, with accusations flying about deteriorating law and order in Maharashtra. Baba Siddique was a well-known figure, particularly for his contributions to the Muslim community and his popular Iftar parties, which saw attendance from major Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. His death has cast a somber shadow over Zeeshan’s recent political moves.
Zeeshan’s entry into Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction strengthens the party’s position, as it looks to consolidate support in Mumbai’s minority-dominated regions. By securing Zeeshan’s allegiance, Pawar’s faction gains a foothold in the city, with Zeeshan expected to retain the support of his constituency. However, this shift is not without challenges. Zeeshan’s defection from Congress could alienate certain voters who still remain loyal to the party. Nonetheless, his focus will be on defending his seat in Vandre (East), a constituency he previously secured under the Congress banner.
This political realignment is also a reflection of the ongoing internal battles within Maharashtra’s political scene, where alliances and loyalties are constantly shifting. The broader implications of Zeeshan Siddique’s move will be seen as the election campaign heats up, with several prominent leaders and parties recalibrating strategies to win crucial votes. With the state elections fast approaching, his decision to join Ajit Pawar’s camp may turn out to be a pivotal factor in determining the political future of both the Siddique family and the NCP in Maharashtra.
Comments 1