In a surprising turn of events, former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique announced his resignation from the Indian National Congress (INC) on Thursday, marking an end to his nearly five-decade-long association with the party. Siddique, a well-known figure in Mumbai’s political landscape and a prominent minority face of the Mumbai Congress, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down from the primary membership of the party.
Baba Siddique, renowned for organizing extravagant Iftaar parties attended by celebrities, who was responsible in the reunion of Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, has made headlines once again. Having served as an MLA from the Bandra West Constituency, Baba Siddique held key positions within the Congress-NCP coalition during their tenure in power. His resignation comes at a time when the political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing significant shifts.
Expressing his sentiments via social media, Siddique stated, “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 @INCIndia with immediate effect.” While he refrained from elaborating on the specifics behind his decision, Siddique expressed gratitude to all those who had been part of his journey within the party.
This development follows closely on the heels of the Election Commission of India’s recognition of the Ajit Pawar faction as the legitimate National Congress Party (NCP). The political landscape in Maharashtra has been undergoing a series of transformations, with various factions vying for dominance and realignment of alliances.
It’s noteworthy that Siddique’s son currently holds the position of Congress MLA from Bandra (East) in Mumbai, indicating the family’s deep-rooted ties with the party. However, Baba Siddique’s decision to sever his long-standing association with the Congress hints at larger dynamics at play within Maharashtra’s political arena.
The resignation of such a seasoned politician like Baba Siddique is likely to have consequences not only within the Congress but also in the broader political spectrum of Maharashtra. As the state gears up for upcoming electoral battles, Siddique’s departure from the Congress adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate political landscape.