MUMBAI, Feb. 11 -- Today, in the run-up to the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde will be felicitated by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar in New Delhi. Shinde's high-profile capital visit also illustrates his efforts to build bridges outside the Mahayuti.

Shinde and Pawar, the two Marathas had built a rapport when Shinde was chief minister and both men sought to assuage the leaders of the Maratha agitation. While their camaraderie had raised eyebrows earlier, Tuesday's award puts a stamp on their ties. It will also put Shinde back in the spotlight.

The man who cleaved the Shiv Sena and had a sensational career ascendancy as Maharashtra's dark horse CM, has since been f...