Leaders of the Indian National Congress enjoy a glorious reputation in India, the reputation of being engrossed in scams, no matter how miniscule or large the sum of money is. The only goal of the Congress leadership seems to be to rise to the top positions so as to amass more and more wealth for themselves. Starting from the alleged Rs. 16 billion National Herald scam, the trials for which are underway against Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former President Sonia Gandhi, to the 2G scam perpetrated under the Congress party’s reign, it has become the norm for Congress ministers to be the prime accused, anytime the hints of a scam arise. Keeping in line with the way shown by the top leaders, many others have decided to follow suit. They did their fair share of hard work in misappropriating the public money. Baba Siddique from Maharashtra seems to be the newest name to join this list of the elite Congress members
Baba Ziauddin Siddique, commonly known as Baba Siddique, is a Congress Party leader from Maharashtra. Baba Siddique served as a member of the Maharashtra assembly for 3 consecutive terms in 1999, 2004 and 2009, from the Vandre West Vidhan Sabha constituency. Known for throwing lavish Iftar parties during Eid, Baba Siddique has a thing for hogging the limelight. He was also the chairman of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development authority (MHADA) from 2000 to 2004.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday attached properties of Baba Siddique and Pyramid Developers, worth Rs. 462 crore located in Bandra West, Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case is associated with the alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slum in Bandra by Pyramid Developers. Pyramid Developers were working on the project at a cost of Rs. 90 crores, but the plot was sold to Satra Group and the Pyramid Developers entered into a joint development agreement which gave them an equal sharing of the flats. The revenues generated, according to the authorities, could be in the range of Rs. 1,800-2,000 crores.
Baba Siddique who was the Chairman of the MHADA between 2000 and 2004 has been accused by the ED of misusing his position to increase the Floor Space Index (FSI). The increase of the FSI meant more flats could be constructed on the plot of land allocated to the project which in turn led to more gains for all the parties involved. Baba Siddique’s involvement will be closely investigated by the ED as he had the final authority in these matters during the period when construction took place. The gains which he, along with the Pyramid Developers, received will be tracked and taken care of by the authorities.
Baba Siddique could face more difficulties in the coming days as he will be subjected to further investigations and questioning by the ED. The link between Pyramid Developers and Baba Siddique will be revealed and one more Congress leader will have to face the wrath of the legal system in the times to come. And this too shall be an achievement for the Congress party, who excels in developing the economic conditions of their leaders at the cost of the public interest.