Gopalganj: In a shocking incident, NCP (Ajit faction) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot in Bandra East, Mumbai on Saturday night. While his political career flourished in Maharashtra, Siddique's roots ran deep in Bihar's Gopalganj district, where his death has cast a pall of sorrow.
Born on September 13, 1958, in Sheikhtoli village of Manjhagarh block, Gopalganj, Baba Ziauddin Siddique maintained strong ties to his ancestral home. His maternal cousin, Mohammad Jalaluddin's family, still resides in Sheikhtoli.
Siddique's journey from a watchmaker's son in Bandra to a three-term MLA and state minister was a source of pride for his village. He often spoke of his enduring connection to Bihar, describing it as the "land of education" and praising the state's hardworking people for their achievements across India and globally.
Awakening Spirit Of Education In Bihar
Siddique established the Abdul Rahim Siddique Memorial Trust in his father's name, honouring top-performing students in government schools.
He was also running at least 40 charitable institutions in the state through this trust, where children from economically weaker sections were given coaching for competitive exams. In Gopalganj alone, three such institutions are being run under this trust.
In 2018, Siddique announced scholarships for 110 students. He reiterated his commitment to education, stating that caste and religion would not hinder his efforts.
"Free education centres were established for children deprived of education in 40 districts of Bihar. Around 12 to 13 thousand children receive free education. Nearly 400 children are enrolled at each centre,” Siddque’s nephew Mohd Gufran said.
“He was supposed to come to the village to inspect the centre on September 15. However, due to some reason, he could not come,” he said. “I spoke to him four days ago. He said that he will come after the Maharashtra elections."
Long Political Connection In Bihar
The 66-year-old leader had close relationships with Bihar's prominent leaders, including RJD President Lalu Yadav, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Congress State President Akhilesh Prasad Singh. There were even discussions about his potential nomination to the Rajya Sabha or Bihar Legislative Council via the RJD quota, though these plans never materialised.
Siddique started his political career as a student leader with Congress's student wing National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in 1977. Later, he became Bandra Youth Congress General Secretary in 1980, Bandra Youth Congress President in 1982, and Mumbai Youth Congress President in 1988. He first fought the election as a BMC councillor and won and went on to become MLA.
Siddique's demise has sent shockwaves through his village and beyond. The investigation into his murder is ongoing, with two individuals currently in custody.
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