Shinde-Shah meeting in Gujarat sparks political speculation in Maha

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) A reported meeting between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and union Home Minister Amit Shah in Gujarat on Thursday has triggered fresh speculation in Maharashtra's political circles, particularly at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing the dispute over the Shiv Sena's name and election symbol.

Shinde was in Gujarat on September 17 to attend programmes held on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. According to sources, Shinde and Shah held a meeting lasting around 30 minutes. The details of the discussions have not been officially disclosed. The meeting assumes significance as the Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions relating to the Shiv Sena dispute. During the latest hearing, the court questioned aspects of the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Eknath Shinde faction as the Shiv Sena and allot it the party's name and 'bow and arrow' symbol.

The next hearing has been scheduled for September 22. Sources claimed that the Shiv Sena name and symbol case figured in the discussion between Shinde and Shah. They also claimed that the Disha Salian case was discussed. However, there has been no official confirmation from either leader regarding the subjects discussed during the meeting. The political buzz intensified after Shah and Shinde were seen travelling together in the same car to an event at the Asiatic Society. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the programme but arrived separately.

The contrasting arrangements have prompted considerable discussion within Maharashtra's political circles. The latest meeting also comes against the backdrop of increased interaction between Shinde and the BJP's central leadership. Shinde had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah in New Delhi amid the Supreme Court proceedings concerning the Shiv Sena name and symbol. Meanwhile, speculation over a possible expansion of the union Council of Ministers has also been gaining momentum. The frequency of visits by Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers to New Delhi in recent days has added to the political discussion.

Shinde's reported meeting with Shah during his recent Delhi visit had already attracted attention. The latest interaction in Gujarat, therefore, is being closely watched for any indication of developments concerning the Shiv Sena dispute, the state's political equations and possible changes at the national level.