Mumbai:
Zeeshan Siddique, son of ex-Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui – who was shot lifeless on October 12 – joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress occasion Friday morning.
He joined within the presence of Mr Pawar, who can also be the Deputy Chief Minister.
Mr Siddique will defend the Vandre (East) seat he gained within the 2019 election when he was with the Congress. His opponent shall be Varun Sardesai, the nephew of Uddhav Thackeray, whose Shiv Sena faction is allied with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP group because the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Expelled by the Congress in August – after stories of cross-voting in a legislative council election – Mr Siddique’s bounce to the NCP comes a day after he hit out on the Maha Vikas Aghadi, accusing them of getting abandoned him after his father, a three-time Congress MLA who additionally moved to the NCP, died.
Mr Siddique’s outrage was after the MVA stated Vandre (East) shall be contested by Thackeray’s Sena as a part of a deal that may see his occasion, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and the Congress combat 85 seats every.
And, in his first remark after following his father’s footsteps, Mr Siddique as soon as once more slammed the opposition alliance for having deserted him. “MVA declared their candidates and the Congress’ seat (of Vandre (East) was given to the Shiv Sena (Thackeray’s camp) … that is very unlucky.”
“Congress and MVA leaders have been in contact with me over the previous few days… however they supposed to deceive. In that troublesome time, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and the NCP trusted me.”
“This is an emotional day for my household and me…” he informed NDTV after becoming a member of the NCP.
“I’ve received the nomination from Vandre (East), I’m certain that with the love and help of all of the folks, I’ll positively win Bandra East but once more… It was an unfinished dream of my father that we win this seat once more and combat for the rights of individuals. He was murdered whereas preventing for this.”
“His blood runs in my veins. I’ll combat his combat and win by a document margin…” he declared.
READ | “I Carry His Roar In Me”: Son’s Post After Baba Siddique Murder
On Thursday, after it was confirmed that the Thackeray Sena would contest Vandre (East), Mr Siddique posted a caustic touch upon X. “I heard previous mates have introduced their candidates from Vandre East. Supporting was by no means of their nature. Maintain relations with those that give respect.”
READ | “Old Friends…”: Baba Siddiqui’s Son Jabs Congress Over Seat Pick
Baba Siddiqui, 66, was shot lifeless exterior his son’s workplace in Bandra on October 12. Fourteen folks have been arrested as far as police probe totally different angles to ascertain the motive.
The former Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Baba Siddiqui was the Congress MLA from the previously undivided Vandre seat for 2 phrases. The seat was bifurcated in 2008, after which he was the Vandre (West) MLA. Earlier this yr, too he stop the Congress and joined Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.
Maharashtra will vote in a single part on November 20, with outcomes due three days later.
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