Zeeshan Siddique Joins Ajit Pawar-Led NCP, Eyes Bandra East Constituency

Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Maharashtra leader Baba Siddique, formally joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction on Friday.

Zeeshan, who was expelled from the Congress in August for allegedly voting against the party in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections—a charge he denies—expressed gratitude for the support he has received during a challenging time in his life.

“It’s an emotional day for me and my family. I sincerely thank Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for their belief in me. I have been nominated for the Bandra East constituency, and with the people’s love and support, I am confident of securing victory once again,” Zeeshan said after joining the NCP.

The 32-year-old leader is stepping into this election amidst a tragic personal loss. His father, Baba Siddique, a senior NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader and former Maharashtra minister, was fatally shot earlier this month.

In 2019, Zeeshan Siddique secured the Bandra East seat by defeating Shiv Sena’s Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, a former Mumbai mayor. However, under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat-sharing arrangement, the constituency has now been allocated to the Shiv Sena (UBT), with Varun Sardesai, nephew of Uddhav Thackeray, chosen as their candidate.

Zeeshan is expected to gain significant sympathy votes following his father’s untimely death. Baba Siddique, aged 66, was tragically gunned down outside his son’s Bandra office on October 12. Police have arrested 14 individuals and are investigating motives, including contract killing and business rivalries.

Baba Siddique had a long political career, serving as the Congress MLA for Vandre from 1999 to 2009 and representing Vandre West from 2009 to 2014 after the seat was restructured. Earlier this year, he joined the NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction, departing from Congress.