The shooting occurred outside Siddique’s residence in Bandra, an upscale neighborhood in Mumbai. Known for his political influence and his role in hosting annual iftar parties attended by Bollywood celebrities and political elites, Siddique’s assassination has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the incident as “shocking” and assured the public that swift justice would be served. He confirmed that he had spoken with both the police commissioner and medical staff involved in Siddique’s treatment. Shinde vowed that the police would act swiftly to prevent any resurgence of organized crime in Mumbai, a concern that has grown in the aftermath of the attack. The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a special investigation team to track down the absconding suspect.
Opposition figures expressed outrage at Siddique's murder, raising concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who had worked closely with Siddique during his tenure as a minister in the Congress-NCP alliance government, said he was “shocked” by the brazen nature of the attack. Chavan emphasized the need for immediate action to restore public confidence in the state’s security apparatus.
Baba Siddique's murder comes at a time when Maharashtra has already been grappling with a series of violent incidents involving political leaders. Just days before, another NCP leader, Sachin Kurmi, was killed in a similar attack in Byculla, raising concerns about a pattern of politically motivated violence targeting NCP factions. These events have prompted calls for an overhaul of the state's security strategy, with multiple political voices questioning the effectiveness of Maharashtra's Home Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Fadnavis visited Lilavati Hospital soon after the shooting and promised that those responsible would face severe consequences. While addressing the media, he reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace across the state. He also rejected claims that the government had failed to provide adequate protection to political figures, emphasizing that a thorough investigation was already underway.
NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto criticized the BJP-led Maharashtra government for what he called the “failure” to maintain law and order in the state. Crasto expressed concerns that criminals were no longer afraid of consequences, which he attributed to the lack of enforcement of legal measures by the state administration. The incident has not only escalated political tensions but has also fueled a broader debate about the safety of politicians and public figures in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has called for a deeper investigation, suggesting that the attack may be part of a larger conspiracy. Somaiya urged the government to assemble a special task force to ensure a thorough probe, describing Siddique’s murder as a matter of grave concern for the entire state.
Baba Siddique, a veteran politician and a significant figure in Maharashtra politics, had a long-standing career marked by his close association with the Congress Party before joining the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction. His connections extended beyond the political arena, with frequent interactions with Bollywood’s leading figures, making him a prominent social figure in Mumbai.