National: Following the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government and the Home Department will reach the roots of it, adding that strict action will be taken against the accused involved in the matter.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Maharashtra Chief Minister called the killing of Baba Siddique "unfortunate."

"It is the government's responsibility to maintain the law and order... The incident was very unfortunate...Many of the accused in the incident have been arrested. The government and Home Department will reach the roots of it. Those who are involved will not be spared. Strict action will be taken," Shinde said.

Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader, was shot dead on October 12 by three assailants near the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, in the Nirmal Nagar area of Mumbai.

Siddique sustained gunshot wounds to the chest after being shot at outside his office in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai. He was taken to the city's Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 12.

The gang led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has claimed responsibility for the killing. So far, Mumbai Police has made 15 arrests in connection with the case.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister also reiterated the party's position on the candidature of Nawab Malik from Mankhurd saying that the Yuti would not campaign for Malik.

"Our decision is clear and our candidate is also contesting. Our stand is clear... We will not change our stand... We will see on November 4. Ajit Pawar is our alliance partner and we will work in alliance," he said

The Chief Minister said that within a short span, the people had appreciated steps taken by his government and that his was a government of the common man.