Zeeshan Siddique, son of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, has officially joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). His decision comes after being expelled from the Congress in August for cross-voting in the Maharashtra legislative council elections, a charge he had denied at the time. Zeeshan Siddique’s political move follows a personal tragedy, as his father, Baba Siddique, was shot dead on October 12 outside his office during Diwali celebrations. The Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility for the killing, reportedly due to Baba Siddique’s close ties with actor Salman Khan.
On Friday, Zeeshan Siddique described the moment as deeply emotional, announcing his decision to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections from the Bandra East constituency, a seat he won in 2019 on a Congress ticket. He expressed gratitude to NCP leaders Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for their support during what he called “tough times.” Zeeshan Siddique expressed confidence in winning the seat again with the support of the local community.
“This is an emotional day for me and my family. I have got the nomination from Bandra East, and with the love and support of all the people, I will definitely win Bandra East yet again,” Zeeshan Siddique said.
The Bandra East seat, however, has already been allocated to the Shiv Sena (UBT) as part of a seat-sharing agreement within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT). Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Varun Sardesai, the nephew of party leader Uddhav Thackeray, as its candidate for the seat.
Zeeshan Siddique, expressing disappointment with the Congress, accused the party of undervaluing him despite his years of dedication. He suggested that the Congress had been pressured by Shiv Sena (UBT) to overlook his candidacy. “I have spent years in Congress. I am disappointed that Congress didn’t always value me,” Zeeshan Siddique said.
He further emphasized that his father’s dream was for him to defend the Bandra East seat, a mission that Baba Siddique himself had started. Baba Siddique had been the Congress MLA from the undivided Bandra constituency for two terms before leaving the party earlier this year to join the NCP.
Zeeshan Siddique vowed to fulfill his father’s legacy, stating, “It was an unfinished dream of my father that we win this seat again and fight for the rights of people. His blood runs in my veins. I will fight his fight and win by a record margin.”
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
