As the Maharashtra elections approach, Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of the late NCP leader Baba Siddique, officially joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attended the ceremony marking Zeeshan’s induction into the party and expressed confidence in his potential as a candidate.
Zeeshan has been nominated to contest the Vandre East constituency, a seat he successfully held in the 2019 elections against Shiv Sena’s Vishwanath Mahadeshwar.
Upon joining the NCP, Zeeshan stated, “This is an emotional day for me and my family. I am thankful to Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for believing in me in these tough times. I have got the nomination from Vandre East; I am sure that with the love and support of all the people, I will definitely win Vandre East yet again.”
Discontent With Congress
Dissatisfaction over the allocation of the Bandra East seat to the UBT Shiv Sena under the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s seat-sharing formula fueled Zeeshan’s shift from Congress to NCP.
Meanwhile, he voiced his frustration about the Congress party’s decision, asserting, “Maha Vikas Aghadi declared their candidates and Congress’ sitting seat was given to Shiv Sena (UBT), this is very unfortunate. Congress leaders and Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders were in touch with me in the past few days. But they intended to deceive.”
He also expressed gratitude towards NCP leaders for their support during a challenging period.
“In that difficult time, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and NCP placed their trust in me. I am thankful to them. It was an unfinished dream of my father that we have to win this seat again and fight for the rights of the people. He was murdered while fighting for this. His blood runs in my veins and I will fight his fight and win Bandra East with a record margin,” Zeeshan further added.
Facing Tough Competition
In the upcoming elections, Zeeshan will be competing against Arun Sardesai of the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the Vandre East seat.
Ahead of the election, Zeeshan indirectly criticized the Congress through a social media post, stating, “I have heard that old friends have declared themselves as candidates from the East. Staying together was never in their nature. Keep a relationship with only those who give you respect and honour. There is no benefit in increasing the crowd. Now the public will decide.”
Earlier on 12 October, shooters allegedly linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi murdered Zeeshan’s father, Baba Siddique, in front of Zeeshan’s office in the Bandra area.
Changes In The NCP
In addition to Zeeshan’s candidacy, the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, recently announced its second list of candidates, which includes Sana Malik, daughter of former minister Nawab Malik, contesting from Anushakti Nagar, and Nishikant Patil, who will challenge Jayant Patil in Islampur.
Notably, BJP leaders Nishikant Bhosale Patil and former MP Sanjaykaka Patil also made headlines by joining the NCP.
“I have joined NCP today on the direction of our leader Devendra Fadnavis. Had to shift to NCP from the BJP as the Islampur assembly seat went to the NCP. I will win the election from the Islampur seat on the NCP ticket,” Patil however commented.
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for 20 November and counting to follow on 23 November, the political landscape is rapidly evolving as parties finalize their candidates and strategies.
The 2019 elections saw the BJP winning 105 seats, Shiv Sena taking 56, and Congress securing 44, while the previous elections in 2014 had the BJP at 122 seats, Shiv Sena at 63, and Congress at 42.
As the campaign heats up, all eyes will be on the Vandre East constituency and Zeeshan Siddiqui’s bid for re-election.
Also Read: NIA Offers Rs 10 Lakh Reward For Information On Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s Brother, Anmol Bishnoi
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