Congress MLA and son of slain NCP leader Baba Siddique Zeeshan Siddique joined the NCP Ajit Pawar faction on Friday and will contest as the Mahayuti candidate from Vandre East. Zeeshan had won the seat in 2019 as a Congress candidate, defeating Shiv Sena’s Vishwanath Mahadeshwar.
This came just months after Congress expelled him after allegations of cross-voting in the state legislative council elections surfaced. Zeeshan denied this. His father Baba Siddique, who was shot dead by assailants earlier this month, too had left Congress for NCP.
Thanking Ajit Pawar for placing his trust in him, Zeeshan described it as an emotional day for him and his family. He vowed to win the seat again with the “love and support of all the people.”
However, Zeeshan took a dig at Maha Vikas Aghadi, of which the Congress is a part, stating that it was unfortunate that the coalition had decided to field a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Vandre East.
“Congress leaders and Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders were in touch with me over the past few days. But, they intended to deceive. In that difficult time, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and NCP placed their trust in me. I am thankful for that. It was an unfinished dream of my father that we win the seat again and fight for the rights of the people. He was murdered while fighting for the people and his blood runs in my veins,” Zeeshan told reporters.
He also accused that his father’s murder was being used politically. Zeeshan avoided explicitly targeting Congress, saying the party was under pressure from Shiv Sena (UBT). He accused the Congress of not valuing him despite spending years working for the party. He said Congress workers will soon realise that Shiv Sena (UBT) is not right.
Zeeshan had hinted on Sunday via his X post that he was ready to part ways with Congress with an “old friend” dig. Accusing the party of not supporting him, Zeeshan said it was important to keep a relationship with the one who “respects and honours” you.
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