Eknath Shinde likely to visit Delhi for Amit Shah talks amid Union Cabinet reshuffle buzz

Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is likely to make an unscheduled visit to New Delhi for meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, according to party sources.

Although there has been no official confirmation from either the Shiv Sena or the BJP, sources said the visit is expected to focus on political and organisational issues, besides matters related to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.

The visit comes amid speculation over a possible expansion or reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers and follows recent political developments involving the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Discussions likely to focus on political strategy

Sources said Shinde is expected to hold discussions with Amit Shah and other senior BJP leaders on a range of political issues, including coordination within the NDA and organisational matters concerning the Shiv Sena's growing role at the national level.

Infrastructure and development projects related to Maharashtra are also expected to figure in the discussions, although the agenda has not been officially disclosed.

Party leaders have not commented publicly on the proposed meetings.

Visit follows expansion of Shinde faction in Lok Sabha

The likely visit comes days after six Members of Parliament shifted their allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, significantly strengthening the party's position in the Lok Sabha.

With the induction of the six MPs, the strength of the Shinde faction in the Lower House has risen to 13, further consolidating its presence within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and the NDA at the Centre.

According to sources, the meetings are likely to focus on political coordination and the party's future strategy at both the state and national levels.

Recent political developments add to speculation

The expected visit also comes shortly after Shinde's meeting with Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar during the ongoing Monsoon Session, a development that triggered political speculation in Maharashtra.

While leaders from both sides described the interaction as routine, it led to discussions in political circles over possible changes in the state's political landscape.

The proposed Delhi visit has further fuelled speculation, although neither the Shiv Sena nor the BJP has linked the two developments.

According to party sources, the Shinde camp is exploring ways to further strengthen its political base.