Zeeshan Siddique, son of slain Congress leader Baba Siddique, shocked many by joining the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP in Bandra East. What prompted him to make this move? How will it affect the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections?
Amid seat-sharing negotiations and political alliances in Maharashtra, the state is witnessing yet another political family passing down its legacy. Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Congress MLA Baba Siddique, has joined the NCP and has been announced as their candidate from Bandra East. He is set to face off against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Varun Sardesai, who also comes from a notable political family. Meanwhile, in a separate development, former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has arrived in Jaipur to discuss seat sharing and alliances.
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.
Amid speculation that Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan Siddique may leave the Congress to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the former three-time MLA insists that he is currently with the Congress. Milind Deora's recent move to join the Shiv Sena has already dealt a blow to the Congress in Mumbai, and if the Siddique father-son duo also leaves, it would be a major setback for the party. Baba Siddique, who has a long history in Mumbai politics, recently met with Ajit Pawar but claims he is committed to staying with the Congress.