Eknath Shinde’s Son Shrikant Under I-T Scanner: What Triggered The Notice

The Income Tax Department has served notices to Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament and son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, as well as Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, prompting a wave of political speculation across the state. The notices, delivered on July 10, 2025, are reportedly tied to a significant surge in the declared assets of both leaders between 2019 and 2024.

Sanjay Shirsat Responds

Confirming receipt of the notice, Sanjay Shirsat said he has been asked to clarify the increase in his assets over the last five years. He described the move as part of the Income Tax Department's regular process and stressed that he and others named in the notices would fully cooperate with authorities.

Shirsat noted that he was originally given a July 9 deadline to respond but has requested an extension. He added that all his financial disclosures are available in his 2024 election affidavit, and he denied any wrongdoing, dismissing opposition accusations of financial misconduct.

VITS Hotel Row Adds to the Heat

This development coincides with continuing controversy surrounding the auction of the VITS Hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where opposition parties have accused Shirsat's family of involvement in irregularities. These claims were raised during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, leading Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a high-level probe. Shirsat, however, has maintained that he withdrew from the tender process and has refuted all allegations against him.

Shinde's Delhi Visit Raises Eyebrows

Adding to the intrigue, Eknath Shinde's sudden visit to Delhi on the same day the notices were served has intensified political chatter. Though the purpose of his visit remains unclear, reports suggest he met with senior party leaders and Union Ministers, fueling speculation about the broader political context of the I-T actions.

Both Leaders Vow Full Compliance

Both Shrikant Shinde and Sanjay Shirsat have stated they will respond to the Income Tax notices and reiterated that they view the inquiry as a standard legal process, not a politically driven move. They have expressed confidence that their financial records will withstand scrutiny.