In a major blow to the Congress party ahead of the Lok Sabha election, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique has announced his resignation from the primary membership of the party. He will be joining the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on February 10. Siddique cited pressure from the BJP-led government as the reason for his departure, which has been criticized by Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad. Siddique's son, Zeeshan Siddique, is also expected to follow his father's footsteps and join the NCP before the next Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024.
Baba Siddique Quits Congress, Joins NCP: A Setback for the Grand Old Party
In a significant political development ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique resigned from the Indian National Congress (INC) and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar. This move deals a blow to the Congress party, particularly in Maharashtra, where it has historically held a strong presence.
Background:
Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader and three-time MLA from Mumbai, has been a loyal Congress member for over four decades. He held various ministerial positions in the Maharashtra government, including Minister of State for Urban Development and Minister of State for Minority Affairs. Siddique is known for his close ties to the Gandhi family and has been a vocal supporter of the party's policies.
Reasons for Resignation:
Siddique cited pressure from the BJP-led government as the primary reason for his departure from the Congress. He alleged that the BJP had been targeting him and his family with false cases and had created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Significance:
Siddique's resignation is seen as a major setback for the Congress party in Maharashtra, where it is already facing challenges from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena. The move is likely to further weaken the Congress's position in the state and could have implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
FAQs:
Ans: Siddique cited pressure from the BJP-led government as the reason for his departure, alleging that he and his family were being targeted with false cases.
Ans: Siddique joined the NCP on February 10, 2023, in a ceremony led by party chief Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
Ans: Siddique's resignation is seen as a major setback for the Congress party in Maharashtra, weakening its position and potentially impacting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Ans: Zeeshan Siddique is expected to follow in his father's footsteps and join the NCP before the next Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024.
Ans: Maharashtra is currently governed by a coalition government led by the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The Congress party is the main opposition party in the state.
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