In a fresh twist to Maharashtra’s political drama, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday made a cryptic observation about Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s future political course, saying the “path” he will choose will become evident very soon.

Speaking at a press conference, Pawar described Shinde as a leader who keeps his strategies closely guarded until the last moment and never backs down from his decisions.

“We have known Shinde Sahab for many years. He prefers to work quietly and never steps back once he decides to act. Soon, we will all know which path he intends to take,” Pawar remarked, refraining from direct speculation about Shinde’s recent high-profile meetings with top BJP leaders in Delhi.

When asked whether Shinde had sent political feelers to the Opposition, Pawar firmly denied any such indication. However, his veiled comments have intensified speculation within political circles about possible realignments ahead of upcoming civic body elections in Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde, who engineered the 2022 split in Shiv Sena and toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, currently heads the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP MahaYuti coalition. Recognised by the Election Commission as the “real Shiv Sena,” Shinde has maintained close coordination with BJP leadership since assuming the Chief Minister’s chair.