Inside Story: Why Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Was Urgently Summoned to Delhi

Political circles in Delhi were suddenly abuzz after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being called to the national capital at short notice

This surprise move triggered intense speculation. Some claimed Fadnavis was finally being shifted to Delhi for a bigger national role, while others suggested he could be inducted into the Union Cabinet with a significant portfolio. However, the real story behind the urgent summons is more nuanced — and typically, in Delhi, things are rarely what they first appear.

The Real Reason Behind Fadnavis’s Delhi Visit

According to highly placed sources, the Modi government is in damage-control mode following Pradhan’s resignation. A Union Cabinet reshuffle is widely expected in the coming days, which is why Fadnavis was urgently summoned.

However, sources clarify that the meeting is not primarily about offering Fadnavis a ministerial berth in Delhi. The core agenda appears to be the rapidly shifting political equations in Maharashtra.

Just a few weeks ago, six Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MPs switched over to the Eknath Shinde faction, significantly boosting the latter’s strength in the Lok Sabha. To maintain balance within the ruling alliance, the BJP leadership is seriously considering giving the Shinde group one more ministerial berth in the Union Cabinet.

Chief Minister Fadnavis is believed to have been called in to discuss this delicate political balancing act and finalise strategy regarding Maharashtra.

Strong Buzz Around Omraje Nimbalkar

Amid these deliberations, the name creating the maximum buzz is that of Omprakash (Omraje) Nimbalkar, the sitting MP from Dharashiv (Osmanabad).

There is strong speculation that Nimbalkar could be inducted into the Union Cabinet and may even be given an important portfolio. This move is being seen as a strategic masterstroke to expand the Shinde faction’s influence in the Marathwada region — particularly in Dharashiv, Latur, and Solapur districts, where Nimbalkar carries considerable weight.

This would mirror Eknath Shinde’s recent surprise induction of Jyoti Waghmare from Solapur, a move that showcased his distinctive political approach.

What Lies Ahead?

Delhi’s politics are famously unpredictable until the final moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are known for maintaining secrecy and springing surprises.

Whether Fadnavis’s visit was purely for consultations or whether any major change in his own role is on the cards will become clear in the next few days.