Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Delhi for the first time after the Cabinet expansion and met with the BJP’s central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president JP Nadda, sparking discussions in political circles.
This meeting holds significance as Shinde has neither visited the Mantralaya nor convened any official meetings since the allocation of portfolios. Instead, he has been working from outside.
While the meeting drew political attention, Shinde clarified, stating, “This was not a political one. During the last two- and- a half years, we have shown how projects and welfare schemes can be implemented and the people have given us credit for that. I would also like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the time he spent in Maharashtra during the assembly election. Modi also assured me that Maharashtra’s development will never lack support. The Central government and all of us will continue to stand by Maharashtra as we have in the past.”
Shinde further stated, “We have now started a new innings. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we will focus on how development can take place. Maharashtra has immense potential. We will be meeting many prominent leaders from the Central government. Fadnavis, myself and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will once again meet with everyone.”
Shinde was accompanied by his son, Member of Parliament Dr Shrikant Shinde, and his daughter-in-law Vrushali Shinde.
After the formation of the Mahayuti government, Eknath Shinde worked hard to secure the chief minister’s position. However, the post ultimately went to Fadnavis. Shinde then demanded key portfolios in the Cabinet, which were granted to him. Despite this, he reportedly remained somewhat dissatisfied.
When Fadnavis traveled to Delhi to meet with Central leaders, Ajit Pawar was also present in Delhi. However, Shinde stayed back in his native village, Dare, in the Satara district, fueling speculation that he was still upset.
Therefore, nearly 20 days after the swearing-in ceremony, Shinde’s visit to Delhi to Modi has sparked discussions, suggesting that any political differences have now been resolved.
