Sharad Pawar meets Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde amidst Uddhav Thackeray’s absence

NCP chief’s surprise visit sparks speculation on cabinet expansion and ED investigation

In a significant political development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also a senior leader of the Shiv Sena, at Varsha bungalow in Mumbai. This meeting marks their first interaction since the transfer of power in Maharashtra. The purpose of the visit remains undisclosed, leading to speculation and discussions within the political sphere.

Sharad Pawar’s unexpected visit to Eknath Shinde’s official residence has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among political observers. Although the specific reason for the meeting has not been revealed, its timing is noteworthy as former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, a key figure in the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, is currently abroad on a vacation with his family. Thackeray is expected to return to Mumbai after the first week of June.

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Given this context, speculations have arisen that the meeting could be linked to the pending expansion of the Maharashtra cabinet or the ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into NCP leaders. The absence of Uddhav Thackeray during Pawar’s visit has added further significance to the meeting.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi government was formed in 2019 after the Shiv Sena ended its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined forces with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. However, last year, the government collapsed when Eknath Shinde parted ways with the NCP and aligned with the BJP to establish a new government.

Earlier in April, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra, had met both Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri guest house. The meeting had triggered speculations about the political landscape and potential realignments.

As political dynamics continue to evolve in Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Eknath Shinde gains prominence, particularly in the absence of Uddhav Thackeray. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the state’s politics and whether it will lead to any significant announcements regarding the cabinet expansion or the ongoing ED investigation.

The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be intriguing, with alliances, realignments, and power dynamics shaping the state’s governance. The outcome of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and its future course of action.