**Maharashtra Deputy CM **
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday called for restraint and urged the public to refrain from politicizing the recent killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Pawar expressed deep grief over the loss and emphasized the importance of focusing on justice rather than exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
“The NCP has been devastated by the tragic loss of Baba Siddique. A leader deeply loved by many, and personally, I have lost a dear friend,” Pawar said. “This is not just a political loss—it’s a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken us all.”
Pawar urged against the politicization of Siddique’s death, calling for unity and compassion in the aftermath of the incident. “This is not a time for division or for exploiting the pain of others for political advantage. Right now, our focus must be on ensuring that justice is served,” he added.
The Deputy CM also visited Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, at Cooper Hospital.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Siddique would be cremated with full state honors. Siddique had served as a minister in the Maharashtra government from 2004 to 2008 and was the chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
The Mumbai Crime Branch has launched an investigation into Siddique’s murder. A case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act. Five police teams have been deployed to different states to expedite the probe.
Siddique, a prominent leader in Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra on Saturday night. He succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital.