Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and six Lok Sabha MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena from the Uddhav Thackeray faction met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, triggering fresh political speculation over the party's growing influence in the NDA and a possible expansion of the Union Cabinet.

The meeting, which lasted nearly 50 minutes, was led by Eknath Shinde along with Shiv Sena's Lok Sabha leader Dr Shrikant Shinde. Discussions reportedly focused on pending development projects in Maharashtra, parliamentary strategy ahead of the Monsoon Session, legal procedures related to the MPs' merger, and the party's future role within the Union government.

Development Projects Take Centre Stage

During the meeting, the six MPs raised several pending infrastructure and development projects from their respective constituencies that require central approval or funding.

According to sources, the leaders urged the Centre to expedite these projects to ensure faster implementation before the next electoral cycle.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly assured the delegation that there would be no shortage of central assistance for welfare schemes and infrastructure initiatives in their constituencies, reaffirming the Centre's support for development-oriented governance.

Focus on Parliamentary Strength

The Delhi visit marks Eknath Shinde's first major political engagement in the national capital after the induction of six former Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into his faction.

With the addition of the rebel lawmakers, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened its numerical presence in Parliament, making it a more significant ally within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sources indicated that discussions also centred on preparations for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the party is expected to play a more prominent role on legislative and political issues.

Merger Recognition Awaited

The party leadership is also working to complete all procedural and legal formalities related to the induction of the six MPs.

According to political sources, the Lok Sabha Secretariat is expected to formally recognise the merger of the MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena before the Monsoon Session begins.

Official recognition would further consolidate the party's parliamentary position and strengthen its claim as the principal Shiv Sena faction in the Lok Sabha.

Speculation Over Cabinet Expansion

The meeting has intensified speculation about an imminent expansion of the Union Council of Ministers.

Political sources suggest that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena could be rewarded with two ministerial positions—one Cabinet berth and one Minister of State portfolio—following the increase in its parliamentary strength.

Among the names being discussed, Dr Shrikant Shinde is widely seen as a leading contender for a Cabinet position, although no official confirmation has been made by either the BJP or the Shiv Sena.

Political Significance

The high-profile meeting is being viewed as another political boost for the Shinde camp and a setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which recently lost six MPs to the rival faction.

Beyond organisational matters, the Centre's reported assurance on development funding is expected to help the newly inducted MPs strengthen their political base by accelerating projects in their constituencies.

While discussions on Cabinet representation remain speculative, the meeting underlines the Shinde faction's growing influence within the NDA and signals continued coordination between the Maharashtra leadership and the Union government ahead of an important parliamentary session.