Mumbai: Baba Siddique jumps ship

Baba Siddique

Former minister Baba Siddique resigned from the Congress party on Thursday, later in the day he announced his intention to join the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction). His son, Zeeshan, the Congress MLA from Bandra East, has yet to declare his stance. Siddique becomes the second senior leader from Mumbai to leave the Congress within a fortnight, following former union minister Milind Deora's move to join the Shiv Sena (Shinde).

Representing the upscale western suburb of Bandra West for multiple terms, the veteran minority leader secured a party candidature for his son from Bandra East after conceding the segment to the BJP. Zeeshan emerged victorious in the three-way battle in 2019, becoming one of the youngest MLAs. However, he has faced conflicts with some senior party members while heading the city Congress youth wing. Speaking to reporters, Baba Siddique said that some decisions are painful but necessary. Siddique previously served as a minister during the Congress-NCP coalition's tenure in Maharashtra.

Formally announcing his resignation, Siddique stated, "I joined the Indian National Congress party as a teenager, and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today, I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with immediate effect. There's a lot I would have liked to express, but as they say, some things are better left unsaid. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey."

Later, speaking to reporters, Siddique revealed, "I will align with the Ajit Pawar group. My journey will be from Congress to Nationalist Congress Party." The Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, was recognised as the real NCP by the Election Commission earlier this week, is part of the ruling coalition in the state. Siddique announced that Ajit Pawar will hold a rally on February 10, attended by corporators and Zilla Parishad members from across Maharashtra.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Siddique earned praise for arranging highly sought-after medicines for needy patients. Additionally, he is known for hosting grand Iftar parties attended by top Bollywood stars. Asked about Zeeshan's future path, Siddique replied that his son will make his own decision.

Feb 10
Day Ajit Pawar will hold rally

With inputs from agencies