NCP Appoints Baba Siddique’s Son Zeeshan as Mumbai Unit President

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has appointed legislator Zeeshan Siddique, son of late politician Baba Siddique, as president of its Mumbai unit as the party seeks to strengthen its organisation in the city ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar handed over the formal appointment letter to Zeeshan on Tuesday.

The letter emphasised carrying forward the progressive legacy of late Ajit Dada Pawar, maintaining the party’s tradition of public service and strengthening its grassroots connect with citizens.

The party leadership expressed confidence that Zeeshan’s leadership and dedication would help make the Mumbai organisation stronger and more responsive to public concerns.

Zeeshan Siddique Remembers Father Baba Siddique

In a post on X, Zeeshan thanked Sunetra Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar for their support, saying, “I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust and responsibility bestowed upon me.”

Zeeshan pledged to strengthen the party at the grassroots, empower young people and carry forward the legacy of late Ajit Dada Pawar.

Remembering his father, he wrote, “His values, guidance, and lifelong dedication to public service continue to inspire me everyday.”

He added, “A new responsibility, a stronger commitment, and an unwavering resolve to serve!”

Zeeshan, who lost the 2024 Assembly election from Bandra East, faces the challenge of expanding the NCP’s presence in Mumbai ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

NCP Faces Challenge in Mumbai

Zeeshan’s appointment comes as the NCP struggles to expand its presence in Mumbai, where it has traditionally remained weaker than the Shiv Sena and BJP. The party’s stronghold remains western Maharashtra, particularly Pune, Satara and Kolhapur, where its network is rooted in rural politics and sugar cooperatives.

In Mumbai, the NCP has relied largely on coalition partnerships and pockets of support among Muslim voters and migrants from western Maharashtra and Marathwada. The July 2023 split between the Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions further weakened its organisational network, making it harder to build a citywide presence.

In Mumbai, the party has largely operated as a coalition partner rather than a dominant political force. Its limited presence in the city’s 36 Assembly constituencies and 227 municipal wards has restricted its ability to build a citywide organisation.

Urban Politics Poses a Test for Zeeshan

The NCP’s rural political network has struggled to translate into support among Mumbai’s urban voters, where the Shiv Sena factions and BJP have stronger footholds. Its long-standing alliance with the Congress also limited its opportunities to contest seats in the city.

Zeeshan faces the challenge of building a stronger local organisation by focusing on housing redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, transport and youth leadership. Having lost the 2024 Assembly election from Bandra East, he must strengthen the party’s urban presence ahead of the 2029 elections.

Umesh Patil Named National Chief Spokesperson

In a separate organisational appointment, Sunetra Pawar named Umesh Patil as the NCP’s national chief spokesperson.