Strongman to Bollywood matchmaker Baba Siddique Beyond lavish Iftar parties

Baba Siddique was a well-known face in Mumbai's entertainment circles.

Mumbai:

Baba Siddique, a strongman known for his political acumen and his role in bridging the gap between Bollywood's biggest stars, was shot dead last night. Mr Siddique, 66, a former MP from Bandra West and a prominent figure in Maharashtra political circles, was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East.

In the incident, which took place around 9:30 p.m., Mr. Siddique and his associate were attacked by assailants who fired several shots, fatally hitting the politician in the chest. Hours after the shooting, the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rapid rise

Born Ziauddin Siddique, Baba Siddique's rise in politics reflected Mumbai's turbulent socio-political landscape. Mr. Siddique started his journey in the Congress party in 1977 as a teenager and rose quickly. In 1980, he became a key figure in the Bandra Taluka Youth Congress. His close association with veteran Congress leader Sunil Dutt paved the way for Mr Siddique to secure his maiden election victory in 1999 as MLA from Bandra West, a seat which he successfully defended for three consecutive terms.

READ | Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead near his son's office in Mumbai

Mr. Siddique's tenure as Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labor, FDA and Consumer Protection in Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008 cemented his reputation as an able administrator and a staunch advocate of communal harmony. His political maneuvers were not limited to the legislative chambers; Equally adept at navigating the complicated dynamics of Bollywood, he earned admiration for his role in resolving the infamous feud between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Bollywood connections and Iftar legacy

Mr Siddique was a familiar face in Mumbai's entertainment circles and was known for hosting lavish Iftar parties that brought together political and Bollywood luminaries. These gatherings became a symbol of their ability to overcome social barriers and bring together many people from different backgrounds and some who had long-held grudges against each other.

One such event in 2013 became a legend when Mr Siddique staged a reunion between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who had drifted apart after a highly sensational argument. At the peak of tension between the two stars, Mr Siddique strategically placed Shah Rukh next to Salman's father, legendary screenwriter Salim Khan, during his iftar party. The symbolic gesture thawed icy relations and restored camaraderie between Bollywood's two biggest stars.

READ | Baba Siddique shooters claim to be from Lawrence Bishnoi gang: sources

Mr Siddique's neighbors in Mumbai told NDTV that the former minister was “extremely polite” but could be “tough” when he wanted to.

Following the incident, Mr Siddique was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, which quickly became a hotspot for Bollywood's who's who. Actors like Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Shilpa Shetty among others were seen reaching the hospital to meet the former minister's family.

Political change

After being with the Congress for decades, Mr Siddique made a shock move and parted ways with the party, citing personal reasons for his exit, and joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). But Mr Siddique's ambitions hit hurdles, including legal challenges related to an enforcement agency investigation into his alleged involvement in a slum redevelopment project.

“My journey was with Indira Gandhi-Rajiv Gandhi-Sanjay Gandhi. Current Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is like my father. But sometimes some decisions have to be taken in personal life,” Mr Siddique had said before joining the NCP.

Political reactions

Mr Siddique enjoyed camaraderie across party lines, which is why his murder drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Senior politicians expressed their condolences while expressing outrage over the escalating violence in Maharashtra.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was one of the first to react, calling Mr Siddique's murder “shocking beyond words”. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Kharge said, “The tragic death of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique is shocking beyond words. In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and others.” Justice must be served and the current government of Maharashtra must order a thorough and transparent investigation.

READ | All about Baba Siddique, leader of Ajit Pawar faction, shot dead in Mumbai

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed similar views.

“The tragic death of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and sad. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. This horrific incident reveals the complete breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility and justice must prevail.” Mr. Gandhi wrote about his former colleague on X.

The impact of Mr. Siddique's murder reached beyond Maharashtra. Jitan Ram Manjhi, former chief minister of Bihar and leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), expressed grief over the loss of a fellow leader with roots in Bihar. “The news of the murder of Baba Siddiqui, one of the great leaders of the NCP who hailed from Bihar, is very sad,” Mr Manjhi said in a post on X. “He was a vibrant person. We ask the Almighty to grant him a high place in his apartment and give patience to his loved ones.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi joined the chorus of condemnation. In his post, Mr. Owaisi said, “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 go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Within the NCP, Mr Siddique's murder has led to the cancellation of all planned party events. In a statement on

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president Ajit Pawar also canceled his much-awaited Jansanman Yatra, which was scheduled to take place in Amravati today.

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has demanded a full probe into the murder. Chaturvedi reacted with shock to the news of Mr. Siddique's death and expressed her condolences to Mr. Siddique's son Zeeshan, who is also an aspiring politician. “I am shocked to hear that Baba Siddique has been shot dead. My condolences go to Zeeshan Siddique and I wish him and his family a lot of strength in their most difficult moment. This lawlessness in the city is unacceptable and should be investigated by the CBI,” Ms Chaturvedi said.