Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, embarked on his political career in 1995 as a corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He quickly rose through the ranks and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bandra in 1999 on a Congress ticket, marking the beginning of his influential political journey that would span decades. Known for his significant connections within Bollywood, particularly with high-profile stars like Salman Khan, Siddique was also recognized for hosting extravagant iftar parties that drew attention from the media and the public alike, showcasing his blend of political clout and social influence.
Beyond his political ambitions, Siddique founded Zears Developers Pvt Ltd in 2004, entering the real estate market during a time when Bandra's property landscape was experiencing unprecedented growth. His company undertook several major projects that transformed the area, including the Link Square mall on Linking Road, a commercial hub that became a popular destination for shopping and entertainment. He also played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of several residential properties, such as Shiv-Asthan Heights on 16th Road and Maqba Heights near Pali Naka, where his family resides. The development of Vertical Bliss at Almeida Park further solidified his reputation as a key player in the Mumbai real estate scene, contributing to the transformation of Bandra into a sought-after residential area.
However, Siddique's political career was not without its controversies. In 2017, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized 33 flats linked to him in a high-profile money laundering case valued at around ₹400 crore. Despite the serious allegations surrounding him, the case was ultimately closed after police filed a summary report, allowing Siddique to continue his dual role as both a businessman and a public figure without significant repercussions at the time.
By 2014, Siddique’s election affidavit indicated assets amounting to approximately ₹76 crore, reflecting significant growth from an estimated ₹23 crore in 2009. Despite his political influence and wealth, he did not contest the 2019 elections, with his son, Zeeshan Siddique, stepping into the political arena as an MLA from Bandra East, reporting assets of ₹9 crore during that election cycle. This transition highlighted the family's continuing presence in Maharashtra politics and the legacy that Baba Siddique sought to establish through his children.
In recent years, Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan became vocal advocates for transparency in local redevelopment projects, particularly opposing two significant slum redevelopment initiatives in Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar and Bharat Nagar within the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of Mumbai’s most coveted real estate areas. The Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar project, which spans an impressive 10 acres and houses approximately 5,500 families, aims to develop luxury housing, commercial spaces, and a luxury hotel while providing provisions for the rehabilitation of slum residents. This project attracted substantial attention not only for its ambitious scope but also for the potential implications it had on the local community.
In August 2023, Zeeshan faced legal challenges when he was booked for allegedly obstructing government officials who were surveying the slum area as part of the redevelopment project. This incident indicated ongoing tensions related to the development plans and raised questions about the Siddique family's commitment to advocating for local residents while navigating the complexities of real estate and politics. Their public stance emphasized a desire for increased transparency and community involvement in the redevelopment process, as they sought to balance their interests as developers with their responsibilities to the residents they represented.
Tragically, on October 12, 2023, Baba Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen in the Nirmal Nagar area of Mumbai, just outside his son Zeeshan’s office. This shocking act of violence marked a tragic end to his decades-long career in politics and business, leaving behind a complex legacy that intertwined real estate, local politics, and Bollywood connections. His death sent shockwaves through both the political landscape and the communities he served, igniting discussions about safety, political rivalry, and the pervasive influence of organized crime in the region.
Baba Siddique's life story is one of ambition, influence, and tragedy, reflecting the intricate dynamics of Mumbai's political and real estate arenas. His contributions to the community, through his social initiatives and development projects, alongside his familial legacy in politics, will continue to be remembered as his family and constituents navigate the aftermath of his untimely passing. As investigations into his murder unfolds, the impact of his work and connections will likely shape discussions about the future of Maharashtra politics and the ongoing challenges facing the region.
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