Eknath Shinde in Delhi to discuss OBC reservation in Maha

New Delhi, July 19

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has arrived in the national capital to discuss Other Backward Class (OBC) reservations in the state.

This is Shinde's second visit to Delhi after being sworn in as chief minister of Maharashtra on June 30.

Earlier, he visited Delhi with deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief J.P. Nadda and others.

Talking to the media on his arrival, Chief Minister Shinde said that he came to the national capital to hold a discussion regarding OBC reservations as the Maharashtra government is committed to providing justice to OBCs.

"We held discussion with lawyers on our preparation for the OBC reservation case in the Supreme Court," he said.

Asked about the plea in the apex court by the Uddhav Thackeray camp challenging disqualification, which will be heard on July 20 with other related pleas, Shinde said he has faith in the judiciary and in a democracy majority in Assembly is important.

Sources said that Shinde will also ensure that 12 MPs of Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction switch to his camp. "All the 12 MPs are likely to make an announcement about their probable switch today. Shinde is already in Delhi and expected to meet BJP leaders also," sources said.

The Shiv Sena has 18 MPs in the Lok Sabha of which 12 are in touch with Shinde. The Shinde camp is also likely to approach Lok Sabha Speaker to recognise them as real Shiv Sena.