- People closely following the fortunes of political parties in the Indian context won’t feel surprised to witness how the leaders irrespective of party affiliations go to any extent to consolidate assiduously built vote banks. Now, mudslinging, calling names, accusations, allegations, derision, and condescending remarks are par for the course moves that any politician embraces to not only keep the narrative against the opposition dynamic but also cater to a particular segment of the electorate to remain relevant among them. However, none of the politicians wish to be at the receiving end of assassination bids even if the opposition leader is a sworn enemy. None of the politicians even harbour such thoughts for sure.
PC: The Week
- However, what transpired in Mumbai recently with the killing of a senior politician is not only unacceptable but also raises serious questions about the security situation in the city/state that will witness an assembly election in the next few weeks. This must be disconcerting for the police, state administration, politicians, and the general public at large. As you are aware, Ex-Congress, newly Ajit Pawar NCP, senior Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique’s murder on Dussehra night, as crackers drowned the burst of gunshots, is a chilling reminder of the high stakes of the November state elections in Maharashtra. Investigations will eventually make the alleged killers’ motives clear. We need to wait for the investigations to conclude to arrive at the motives.
- It is guessed that the hitmen may have been from a dreaded but incarcerated don who was targeting a popular movie star for killing an animal considered sacred to them. The days ahead will perhaps clear the air, but for the political class, there is no shaking off the chilling effect of the murder. On the other hand, the days ahead may just foment fantastical conspiracy theories. High-profile political crime is narrative fodder. Mind you, Mumbai is no stranger to shootouts, or politicians being gunned down. But no matter how high the stakes in the upcoming assembly polls, such an ugly turn muddies poll waters, even if investigations show the killing or its timing had no overtly electoral moves. Crime in Mumbai is considered fairly secular, cutting across party lines.
PC: India Today
- Recollect how erstwhile Bombay was influenced by three dons in the 1990s. But it has been assumed that the era of the underworld gunning for the political class was winding down, given not just the crackdown on the mafia, but also politicians and vested interests having found a meeting ground of sorts. That Siddique was killed after having Y-level security, is scary – the assailants on foot effortlessly breached the protective cover to gun him down. Mumbai’s seasoned politicians know crime knows no community or creed. As the big guns look over their shoulders, expect a recalibration in each of the six parties in the fray. The already edgy elections will acquire an extra edge in the coming days.
