The Candidate: Shahid Siddiqui, a prominent figure in Indian journalism and politics, was born in 1951 into a family deeply rooted in journalism and literature. His father, Maulana Abdul Waheed Siddiqui, was not only a journalist but also a prominent leader during Indias struggle for independence. Siddiquis upbringing in such an environment laid the foundation for his own illustrious career in the field.Passion for Urdu literatureFrom a young age, Siddiqui exhibited a keen interest in Urdu literature, inspired by his familys legacy. At the age of twelve, he began writing in Urdu, a passion that would shape his future endeavors significantly. His academic journey led him to study political science at Zakir Husain Delhi College, where his intellectual curiosity and leadership skills flourished.Entrance into journalismIn 1971, while still a college student, Siddiqui embarked on his journalistic journey by launching the Urdu fortnightly publication Waqiat. Despite its eventual closure in 1973, this early endeavor marked the beginning of Siddiquis enduring commitment to journalism. Undeterred by setbacks, he revived the renowned daily newspaper Nai Duniya as a weekly magazine, showcasing his determination and resilience.A life deicated to advocacy, activismSiddiquis journalistic pursuits were often intertwined with his activism for social justice and political reform. As a student leader with the Students Federation of India, he advocated for the rights of the marginalized. His unwavering commitment to principled journalism led to his arrest in 1986 under the controversial TADA act for publishing an interview with Jagjit Singh Chohan, a significant figure in the Khalistan movement.Indide Siddiquis political trajectoryTransitioning from journalism to politics, Siddiquis career took diverse and dynamic paths. He initially aligned with the Indian National Congress, serving as the head of its Minority Cell. Subsequently, he joined the Samajwadi Party, where he held pivotal positions, including National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member. However, his journey within the party was tumultuous, marked by shifts in allegiance and ideological differences.Instances of expulsions, criticismThroughout his political career, Siddiqui remained steadfast in his commitment to advocacy and free expression, often at the cost of facing expulsion and criticism. His expulsion from both the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, primarily due to his principled stance on contentious issues, underscored his unwavering integrity and independent voice.In July 2012, he was expelled from the Samajwadi Party for conducting an interview with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi regarding the post-Godhra anti-minority riots, during which Modi was accused of failing to control the situation promptly. In the interview, Modi stated, Hang me if I am guilty. The cover-page interview spanned six pages and addressed issues such as the state of Muslims in Gujarat, the post-Godhra riots, and other sensitive topics. Siddiqui criticized the Samajwadi Partys decision to disown him, referring to it as a mere joke, and emphasized that he had joined the party in the presence of key leaders, including Mulayam Singh Yadav. Reports in the media suggested that his expulsion from the Samajwadi Party had angered Muslim leadership.Siddiquis legacy and impact in sociietyDespite the challenges and controversies, Shahid Siddiquis legacy endures as a testament to his tireless pursuit of truth and justice. His contributions to journalism and political activism have left an indelible mark on Indian society, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of integrity and courage.
