Baba Siddique's Murder May Present a Setback for NCP in Mumbai

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Aijt Pawar which was hoping to strengthen its influence in Mumbai ahead of the assembly elections, former minister Baba Siddique’s death could be a setback 

Baba Siddique was murdered on October 12 while he was in his car. In just over a month, this is the third murder of an NCP leader, leaving party leaders in tension.

This year on September 1, an NCP leader Vanraj Andekar was killed around 9 pm. A group of men opened fire at point blank range and attacked him with sharp weapons near Doke Talim in Nana Peth, Pune. The case is being investigated by the police who are on the lookout of potential moves. So far, 21 people have been arrested and have detained three minors. 

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Within a month, NCP leader Sachin Kurmi from Byculla was taking a walk after dinner and was stabbed at least 20 times. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. Three months prior to the deadly attack, he had sought the help of police as he believed that someone was after his life, as per the report by Hindustan Times. 

After Siddiqui’s murder, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state will try to get capital punishment for the perpetrators. 

“We are trying to try the case in a fast-track court and will also ask for capital punishment. We will not tolerate the ‘dadagiri’ of people coming to Mumbai from other states,” he said.

Some of the NCP leaders are wondering whether the murder cases were linked. 

Ajit Pawar consoles MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of Baba Siddique as he arrives at Cooper Municipal General Hospital, in Mumbai on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (Ajit Pawar-X)" title="Mumbai, Oct 13 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar consoles MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of Baba Siddique as he arrives at Cooper Municipal General Hospital, in Mumbai on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (Ajit Pawar-X)">