Baba Siddique’s life was marked by his commitment to politics and community service. His influence extended beyond the political arena, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in Mumbai and beyond.
Early Life
Baba Siddique was born to Abdul Rahim and Razia Siddique in Mumbai, India. Growing up in a politically active family, he was exposed to the dynamics of politics from a young age. He developed a strong interest in public service and community affairs, which led him to join the Indian National Congress as a teenager in 1977. His early involvement in politics set the foundation for a long and impactful career in Maharashtra's political landscape.
Political Career
Siddique worked hard in youth politics and became the President of the Bandra Taluka Youth Congress in 1982. Later, in 1988, he became the President of the Mumbai Youth Congress.
In 1992, he was elected as a Municipal Councillor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He served as an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Bandra West three times, first elected in 1999 and re-elected in 2004 and 2009. From 2000 to 2004, he was also the Chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) Mumbai Board. He held various ministerial roles from 2004 to 2008, focusing on food, civil supplies, and urban development.
Notable Events
Siddique was famous for hosting large iftar parties, which were popular events in Mumbai, attracting many political leaders and Bollywood stars. His parties gained attention in 2013 when Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan ended their feud at one of his gatherings.
Recent Developments
In February 2023, Siddique left the Congress party to join Ajit Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). His son, Zeeshan Siddique, is also a politician and was elected as an MLA for Congress.
Legacy and Death
Despite facing challenges in his political career, including losing his seat in the 2014 elections, Siddique remained active in politics and social work. He was shot and killed by unknown attackers on the night of October 12, 2023. Before his death, he had been granted special security after receiving threats.
