Maharashtra deputy CM Shinde visits Delhi, meets Shiv Sena MPs and senior Union Ministers

Indian Express

3 days ago

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Delhi on Thursday to hold meetings with Shiv Sena MPs and senior Union Ministers, triggering renewed speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle. However, BJP as well as Shinde led Sena functionaries have downplayed any immediate changes in the MahaYuti government.
The visit comes just days after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met senior BJP leaders and Union Ministers in the capital to discuss key infrastructure and funding proposals. The back-to-back visits by the two leaders have set off political chatter, especially amid growing strains within the alliance.
Shinde, who arrived in Delhi late Wednesday night, had a packed schedule on Thursday before returning to Mumbai. During his visit, he chaired a review meeting with MPs from his faction of the Shiv Sena, focusing on their parliamentary performance, constituency-level concerns, and coordination with the Centre. He is also learnt to have followed up on pending development issues with Union Ministers.
'Since the monsoon session of Parliament is underway, I came to Delhi to hold discussions with our MPs and meet Union Ministers. I always come to Delhi during the parliamentary session to hold a meeting with the party MPs. As an NDA ally, we support the Centre on key issues and are pushing for Maharashtra's development. Ours is a double-engine government and our efforts are aligned with that goal,' Shinde told reporters further dismissing the possibility of any reshuffle.
Highlighting the party's growing support in Mumbai, Shinde said 123 former BMC corporators have recently joined his faction. 'This is a good sign ahead of the civic polls. Those who ruled the BMC for 20 years and treated it like a hen that lays golden eggs have been taught a lesson. Mumbaikars will teach them another one in the coming elections,' he said, in a swipe at the Shiv Sena (UBT).
According to party sources, Shinde also interacted with office-bearers and representatives from other states, as part of the Sena's broader organisational outreach. 'These engagements are crucial as the party looks to expand beyond Maharashtra,' a senior party leader said.
In line with this strategy, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is expected to hold a national executive meeting in Delhi in the coming weeks. State presidents and senior leaders from across India are expected to participate, with discussions likely to focus on party expansion and programme planning.
The visit comes at a politically sensitive time. The government is under fire from the Opposition over corruption allegations against some ministers, and there are growing demands for their resignation. Simultaneously, talks of a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS ahead of the BMC elections have added to the political uncertainty.
Earlier this week, Deputy CM Fadnavis met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior Union Ministers to push for major funding proposals.
Fadnavis also met Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Thursday, fuelling speculation about a cabinet reshuffle or portfolio changes. However, BJP leaders have maintained that there is no plan for an immediate reshuffle.