Opposition leaders in Maharashtra on Saturday questioned law and order in Maharashtra following the assassination of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique. Follow LIVE updates here.

Baba Siddique was shot dead by three unknown assailants in Mumbai on Saturday evening. He was attacked outside the office of his MLA son Zeeshan Siddiqui near Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar.

The former state minister was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. According to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, two people have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said she was shocked to learn about Siddique’s murder.

“I am shocked to hear that Shri Baba Siddique was shot dead. My condolences to Zeeshan Siddique and I wish him and his family a lot of strength in their most difficult moment,” Chaturvedi wrote on X.

“This lawlessness in the city is unacceptable and should be investigated by the CBI,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar said that “collapse of law and order” in Maharashtra was a matter of concern. He also expressed his condolences to Siddique’s family.

“The collapsed law and order situation in the state is a matter of concern. The dismissal of former state minister Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai is unfortunate…There is a need to not only investigate this but also take responsibility and resign from the government’s post. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

“Huge conspiracy”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya claimed that there could be a “big conspiracy” behind Siddique’s murder.

“The murder of Baba Siddique is a matter of concern. The government should form a special team and investigate the matter. It appears to be a huge conspiracy. Strict action should be taken…,” he said, according to ANI.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar termed Siddiqui’s murder as unfortunate. He also promised that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

“The incident of shooting at NCP leader and former state minister, my long-serving parliamentary colleague Baba Siddiqui, is very unfortunate, condemnable and painful. I was shocked to learn that he died in this incident. I lost my good colleague and friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I express my heartfelt appreciation to Baba Siddiqui,” said Ajit Pawar.

He added: “The incident is being investigated thoroughly and strict action will be taken against the attackers.” The mastermind of the attack will also be identified. With the death of Baba Siddiqui, we have lost a good leader who fought for the minority brothers and strived for pan-religious harmony. His death is a great loss for NCP. I share the grief of Zeeshan Siddiqui, the Siddiqui family and their workers.”