Congress MLA Zeeshan’s father Baba Siddiqui quit Congress to join Ajit Pawar faction NCP
Congress MLA Zeeshan’s father Baba Siddiqui quit Congress to join Ajit Pawar faction NCP
Reports on Wednesday, 24 February, reveal that Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique has been relieved from the post of President, of Mumbai Youth Congress.
Earlier this month, Zeeshan’s father Baba Siddique bid adieu to Congress and joined Ajit Pawar faction NCP.
Zeeshan is a Congress MLA representing the Vandre (East) assembly seat of Mumbai and is also rumoured to leave the party like his father.
Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar who welcomed Baba Siddique presented him with a garland that included the party’s symbol on February 13. Baba Siddique had said he was asked to join the party by NCP leader Praful Patel.
After the switch-over, Baba Siddiqui said that wherever he is, he will remain loyal to that party. Now, that he has come to NCP, here too, he will stay with loyalty.
A three-time MLA from the Bandra West constituency, Baba Siddique was the former minister of state for food and civil supplies. He was also chairman of the Mumbai division of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority.
Siddique’s exit was yet another big jolt to the Congress party which has already been dealing with many leaders quitting. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and senior leader Milind Deora also left the party this year.
The Congress party is faced with a worrying trend of departure of series of leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Last two weeks saw the widespread anticipation about the likely switch of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Nath to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The wave of resignations of Congress leaders coincides with charges of internal dissatisfaction with party leadership.
The timing assumes significance with Lok Sabha 2024 elections scheduled to be held in less than two months from now. Political observers suspect more exists of Congress leaders in the run up to general elections.
News Edit K.V.Raman
