Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique on Thursday quit the Congress with immediate effect. He did not cite any reason for his decision to quit the Congress though he said that there is a lot to express but “some things are better left unsaid”, in an apparent dig at the party.
Taking to X he said, "I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with immediate effect. There’s a lot I would have liked to express but as they say some things are better left unsaid. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey."
Baba Siddique on his resignation said, "...I have said that I extend you an invitation for 10th February...I had to take a decision and I have taken a decision...Why would someone force me? I am an adult...When you don't understand something and it doesn't improve despite saying again and again, you need to understand that you are not needed anymore and you should move on. So, I have moved on..." When asked if he will join Ajit Pawar's NCP, he says, "I will make a decision on 10th February. You will see where I'm going.."
After Milind Deora, Baba Siddique became second big Congress leader to have left the party. His announcement comes days after the Election Commission of India recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the real National Congress Party (NCP). Baba Siddiqui who is former MLA from Bandra East, Mumbai, may be joining Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
During the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, Siddique had earned much praise for arranging highly sought-after medicines for several needy patients. The politician is also known for his grand ‘Iftar’ parties which are attended by top Bollywood stars. His son Zeeshan Siddique is currently a Congress MLA from Bandra (East) in Mumbai.
