While initial reports suggested that Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament and son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had received an income tax notice, government sources are now stating that this is not the case. However, it has been confirmed that Maharashtra Minister for Social Justice, Sanjay Shirsat, has received a notice from the Income Tax Department.
The Income Tax Department reportedly served the notices on July 10, 2025. These notices are purportedly linked to a notable increase in the declared assets of both leaders between 2019 and 2024.
Sanjay Shirsat has acknowledged receiving the notice and stated that he has been asked to clarify the increase in his assets over the past five years. He described the inquiry as a standard legal process by the Income Tax Department and assured his full cooperation with the authorities. Shirsat mentioned that he had requested an extension to the initial response deadline of July 9, and affirmed that all his financial disclosures are available in his 2024 election affidavit. He also refuted any allegations of wrongdoing and dismissed opposition accusations of financial misconduct.
Initially, Shirsat mentioned to reporters that Shrikant Shinde had also received a notice but later retracted the statement, clarifying he had no knowledge of Shinde receiving any such notice.
This development occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the auction of the VITS Hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where opposition parties have alleged irregularities involving Shirsat's family. These claims were brought up during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a high-level probe. Shirsat has denied these allegations and maintains that he withdrew from the tender process.
Eknath Shinde's visit to Delhi on the same day the notices were served has stirred political speculation. Although the purpose of his visit is unclear, reports suggest he met with senior party leaders and Union Ministers, fueling speculation about the broader political context of the Income Tax action.
