Mumbai: Baba Siddique, a former minister and influential leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was tragically shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mumbai on Saturday. The news has sent ripples through both political and Bollywood circles, as Siddique was not only a prominent political figure but also known for his role in mending relationships among the industry’s biggest stars.
Siddique, whose full name was Baba Ziauddin Siddique, had a remarkable career in politics, serving as an MLA for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2009. He held the position of Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA from 2004 to 2008. His journey in politics began as a municipal corporator from 1992 to 1997, and he later became the chairperson and senior vice president of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee.
Beyond his political achievements, Siddique was renowned for hosting extravagant Iftar parties that attracted Bollywood’s elite. Among his notable contributions to the film industry was playing a pivotal role in reconciling the long-standing feud between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Their rivalry, which had reportedly begun at Katrina Kaif’s birthday celebration in 2008, came to an end at Siddique’s Iftar party in 2013.
Earlier this year, Siddique made headlines when he announced his resignation from the Indian National Congress after nearly five decades of service. In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, he expressed a mix of nostalgia and contemplation about his journey, stating, “I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with immediate effect.” He hinted at unexpressed sentiments but chose to keep them private, saying some things are better left unsaid.
