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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

Mumbai: The political landscape of Maharashtra is currently witnessing a renewed surge of speculative ripples as whispers of a major leadership overhaul gain significant momentum. Prominent Shiv Sena ministers have begun to openly voice their aspirations regarding a potential restructuring at the highest echelons of the state government. At the heart of this unfolding political drama is the growing chorus demanding the elevation of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the Union Cabinet,...

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

Mumbai: The political landscape of Maharashtra is currently witnessing a renewed surge of speculative ripples as whispers of a major leadership overhaul gain significant momentum. Prominent Shiv Sena ministers have begun to openly voice their aspirations regarding a potential restructuring at the highest echelons of the state government. At the heart of this unfolding political drama is the growing chorus demanding the elevation of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the Union Cabinet, thereby clearing the path for his deputy Eknath Shinde to take over the reins as the next CM. This simmering speculation has been heavily fueled by Shinde’s strategic departure for New Delhi on Monday, where he is expected to camp for the next two days.The immediate catalyst was a bold statement made by Shiv Sena leader Bacchu Kadu, who publicly expressed his earnest desire to see Shinde occupy the CM’s chair once again. Kadu articulated that it is the honest and natural sentiment of every Shiv Sainik to want their own party leader at the helm of the state. He went a step further to explicitly suggest that Fadnavis should be promoted to the central government. However, this assertion was met with immediate resistance from the BJP. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was quick to issue a stern rebuttal, emphasising the stability of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He stated that no individual possesses the authority to unilaterally decide that Fadnavis should be relocated to New Delhi. Despite the BJP's attempts to quell the rumors, the sentiment within the Shiv Sena camp remains palpable and vocal. Echoing Kadu's sentiments, Industries Minister Uday Samant weighed in on the controversy, acknowledging that while Kadu’s demand might be presented in a personal capacity, it reflects a deeply natural political instinct. Samant candidly admitted that he, too, shares the ambition of seeing Shinde elevated to the top post. Shinde’s two-day sojourn in the Capital is officially slated for attending the Shiv Sena's national executive meeting and a crucial joint meeting of the NDA scheduled for June 10. However, the timing and context of this trip are being heavily scrutinised in political circles.

US Vice President JD Vance, his family arrive in Delhi

  • PTI
  • Apr 21, 2025
  • 2 min read


NEW DELHI: US Vice President J D Vance arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit to India against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the two strategic partners to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children Ewan, Vivek, Mirabel and a delegation of senior US government officials.


The US Vice President and the Second Lady were received at the Palam air base by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


The American leader was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival.

In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances after holding wide-ranging talks with the US Vice President.


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by PM Modi at the talks.


The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost overall trajectory of ties between the two countries.


Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra.

Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.


New Delhi and Washington are now holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance and his family are scheduled to leave for Jaipur on Monday night.

In Delhi, the US Vice President and his family are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.


On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.


In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.


Vance is expected to delved into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.


The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.


In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram which is an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.


After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23.


The US Vice President and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

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