Amit Shah To Attend Private Lunch With NCP MP Tatkare After Visit To Raigad Fort On Death Anniversary Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

New Delhi: Amid heightened political debates over historical legacies, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to visit the historic Raigad Fort on April 12 to pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his death anniversary. The timing of the visit is significant, coming as discussions over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s legacy dominate Maharashtra’s political discourse.

Shah’s tribute at Raigad is being viewed as a powerful symbolic gesture by the Centre—reinforcing its support for Shivaji Maharaj, celebrated across Maharashtra for his resistance to Mughal rule and for laying the foundation of an independent Maratha kingdom.

The ceremony is expected to draw widespread public attention, with top state BJP leaders and prominent local figures scheduled to accompany Shah during the tribute. Raigad Fort, once the capital of the Maratha Empire, continues to stand as a monument to Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary leadership, valor, and governance.

After the tribute at Raigad, Shah will head to Roha in Raigad district for a private lunch hosted by NCP MP Sunil Tatkare at his residence in Sutarwadi. The lunch, though informal, has drawn political attention with the attendance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed. Initially, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was not invited.

However, following reports of his dissatisfaction, an invitation was extended to him along with Ministers Uday Samant and Bharat Gogawale. Political observers believe this move was aimed at damage control within the Mahayuti alliance. Adding another layer of intrigue is the ongoing tussle over the post of Guardian Minister of Raigad.

A simmering cold war between Minister Bharat Gogawale and Minister Aditi Tatkare continues to fester. Though Aditi was named Guardian Minister by CM Fadnavis a few months ago, the appointment was withdrawn after objections from the Shinde camp.

The post remains vacant. With Shah’s visit to Tatkare’s residence, speculation is rife: Will MP Sunil Tatkare seize the opportunity to lobby for his daughter Aditi’s reinstatement? Interestingly, although most MLAs in Raigad district belong to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, it is the NCP leaders who seem to be enjoying greater visibility during Shah’s visit—further fuelling discontent within the Shinde camp. Following his engagements in Raigad, Shah is scheduled to attend events in Pune before heading to Mumbai. He will spend the night of April 12 at the Sahyadri Guest House.