The Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde drew flak after NCP leader Baba Siddique was fatally shot by three men in Mumbai on Saturday night around 9.30 pm. The leaders from opposition parties blamed the government for deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Baba Siddique was given Y category security following death threats he received 15 days ago. Despite this, he was shot outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, who is a Congress MLA. Baba Siddique had joined Ajit Pawar-led NCP in February after quitting Congress.
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Congress President Mallikarun Kharge demanded a thorough and transparent investigation for Siddique, saying justice must be ensured and the culprits must be brought to book at the earliest. "Accountability is paramount," he said.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, called the demise of Baba Siddique "shocking and saddening". Calling for justice, he said the horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra and demanded the government to take responsibility. "My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time," he added.
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Another Congress leader, Pawan Khera, expressed his shock about how such a senior politician like Baba Siddique was murdered in the middle of Mumbai.
NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar called the passing of Siddique regrettable and sought accountability from the Shinde government. He said the government should step down and accept the responsibility for the killing.
Sharad Pawar's daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule called the murder "unacceptable", pointing out that the death of member of the ruling government alliance at his own son's office speaks volumes about the law and order situtation in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said "a complete collapse of administration, law and order" led to the assassination of Baba Siddique.