Shinde Set To Meet Amit Shah Amid UBT Crisis… More Cabinet Berths, More Rebel MPs? Maharashtra Politics Heats Up

Shinde Eyes Bigger Role In Delhi As Maharashtra Politics Turns Intense

Maharashtra’s political battle appears to be entering another crucial phase as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit to the state.

According to political sources, the Shiv Sena leader is likely to push for an additional Cabinet berth for his faction in the Union government, a move that could further strengthen his grip both in Maharashtra and at the national level.

The development comes at a time when the political atmosphere in the state remains charged, especially with the growing uncertainty inside Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) camp.

Shinde Wants More Representation At The Centre

Sources suggest that Shinde’s meeting with Shah will largely focus on increasing his faction’s share in the central Cabinet.

Since the split in Shiv Sena and Shinde’s rise as a major power centre in Maharashtra politics, his faction has been seeking greater recognition within the broader NDA alliance.

If the demand is accepted, it could further solidify Shinde’s political standing ahead of future electoral battles.

Sena Vs Sena Battle Gets Sharper

On the occasion of Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day, both Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray delivered sharply contrasting messages to party workers.

Shinde took an aggressive stance, using powerful imagery of “tigers,” “lions,” and “barking dogs” while warning that the current developments were only a “trailer” of what was yet to come.

His speech was widely seen as a direct message to the UBT camp and potential rebels.

On the other hand, Thackeray struck an emotional tone.

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Uddhav’s Emotional Appeal Amid Defection Fears

Facing reports of possible defections, Uddhav Thackeray openly said he was willing to step down as party chief if party workers no longer trusted his leadership.

However, he made it clear that he would only hand over the party to someone loyal and would never let it fall into the hands of what he described as “thieves and traitors.”

His statement reflected the mounting pressure within the UBT faction as leaders continue efforts to keep key MPs from switching sides.

UBT Tries To Stop More MPs From Leaving

According to sources, senior UBT leaders Sachin Ahir and Ambadas Danve have been tasked with persuading MPs Omraje Nimbalkar and Sanjay Dina Patil to stay with the party.

Meanwhile, Kailas Patil, a close aide of Nimbalkar, has reportedly held discussions with him in an attempt to reverse any decision.

Party insiders believe both MPs are still undecided, and there remains hope of preventing another political setback.

Big Political Move Expected On June 22

The next major turning point could come on June 22, when rebel UBT MPs are expected to be in Delhi.

Sources indicate that the formal process of merging with Shinde’s Shiv Sena may begin on the same day, potentially delivering another blow to Uddhav’s faction.

If that happens, it would mark yet another major shift in Maharashtra’s ever-changing political landscape.

With Shinde strengthening ties with Delhi and UBT fighting to hold its flock together, the battle for the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena seems far from over.