Mumbai: Amid growing speculation of internal unease within the Mahayuti alliance, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde visited Delhi on Wednesday, where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and later Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shiv Sena MPs were also present during these meetings.
Shinde’s back-to-back meetings with the two top BJP leaders — both held on the same day — have once again triggered political curiosity, especially since this marks his second visit to the national capital within a week. Political circles are abuzz with questions over Shinde's recent moves, with many speculating that he feels cornered or constrained within the current power-sharing arrangement in Maharashtra.
Local Body Poll Strategy Discussed, Says Shinde
Speaking after his meeting with Amit Shah, Shinde said that the discussions were held in the context of upcoming local body elections, including those of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). “We have decided to contest all local elections as part of the Mahayuti, just as we successfully contested the Assembly elections,” Shinde said.
He also extended greetings to Amit Shah for becoming the longest-serving Union Home Minister in the country’s history, having held the post for 2,258 consecutive days.
Shiv Sena MPs Join Delhi Meetings, NDA Bond Reaffirmed
“He has fulfilled the vision of Balasaheb Thackeray by scrapping Article 370, launched operations like Mahadev to eliminate terrorists, and has taken concrete steps against Naxalism. From cooperative reforms to national security, Shah has proven himself as a decisive and visionary leader,” Shinde said.
Reiterating his commitment to the BJP-led alliance, Shinde emphasized that Shiv Sena’s ties with the BJP predate the formation of the NDA. “Ours is the oldest and most trusted alliance in the NDA. Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and the BJP have shared a strong bond for over 25 years,” he said. Shinde also confirmed Shiv Sena’s “strong support” for the NDA’s candidate in the upcoming Vice Presidential election.
Shinde Gifts Shivshankar Idol to PM Modi
Later in the evening, Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence. He offered Modi a shawl and floral bouquet, and presented a Shivshankar idol as a gesture of appreciation for the Indian Army’s successful anti-terror operations — notably Operation Sindhur and Operation Mahadev — which avenged the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
During the meeting, Shinde and Modi discussed several key issues related to the Centre and Maharashtra government. Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde had also participated in the NDA meeting held a day earlier, further reinforcing the party’s engagement with the alliance.
Opposition Takes Swipe, Shinde Dismisses Secrecy Claims
Reacting to the visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a jibe, stating that since Shinde’s party headquarters is practically in Delhi, his frequent visits are understandable. He also hinted at an ongoing power struggle between Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which many believe has led to Shinde’s increased political outreach in the capital.
Responding to criticism, Shinde clarified, “I have been visiting Delhi openly and meeting leaders, especially during the Parliament session. There is nothing secretive about it.”
