Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Caught Enjoying Rummy In Maha Meeting, Will get Sports activities Portfolio
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As an alternative of stepping down, Kokate has merely been reassigned. The federal government’s determination to shift his duties, slightly than take away him, is being seen as a symbolic gesture
Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate has been divested of the all-important Agriculture Ministry. (Picture through X/@kokate_manikrao)
In a transfer that has sparked each satire and criticism, Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate has been divested of the all-important Agriculture Ministry after a viral video confirmed him enjoying rummy on his cell phone contained in the state meeting. The incident triggered widespread outrage, particularly given the state’s ongoing agrarian misery.
Late on Thursday night time, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued the order for a change in Kokate’s portfolio, sending a transparent message to all ministers that henceforth, if any minister commits a mistake, they may face extreme penalties.
The agriculture portfolio has now been handed over to a different NCP minister, Dattatray Bharane, whereas Kokate will take cost of the Sports activities and Youth Welfare Ministry — a put up beforehand held by Bharane.
The controversy erupted when NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar posted a video exhibiting Kokate engaged in a cellular sport throughout a legislative session. With farmer points looming massive over the monsoon session, the visuals struck a nerve. Opposition leaders rapidly demanded Kokate’s resignation, calling his actions disrespectful and irresponsible.
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate’s video of him enjoying Junglee Rummy, an internet card sport, on his telephone within the Legislative Meeting proves how the BJP led state authorities is ‘Playing’ with the lives of farmers.Farmers are committing suicide on account of lack of… pic.twitter.com/9WZpwtvSsG— Clyde Crasto (@Clyde_Crasto) July 20, 2025
Nonetheless, as an alternative of stepping down, Kokate has merely been reassigned. The federal government’s determination to shift his duties slightly than take away him has been seen as a symbolic gesture at greatest.
“This isn’t accountability; it’s an eyewash,” mentioned Ambadas Danve, Chief of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Taking a jibe on the authorities, he sarcastically urged that rummy be declared the state sport and that ministers be formally allowed to hold playing cards into the Meeting.
Kokate isn’t any stranger to controversy. He had earlier confronted criticism for making tone-deaf remarks about farmers. Now, his informal behaviour within the Meeting, at the same time as many districts face drought-like circumstances, has raised contemporary questions on ministerial duty.
Social activist Anjali Damania alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was hesitant to hunt Kokate’s resignation, reportedly as a result of he wished a Shiv Sena minister to resign first to take care of political stability. This has fuelled hypothesis of political deal-making behind the scenes.
In the meantime, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana chief Raju Shetti requested pointedly, “Does Kokate maintain any secrets and techniques that shield him from being sacked?” He emphasised that solely a resignation, not a portfolio swap, would do justice to Maharashtra’s farmers.
Whereas Kokate stays within the cupboard, his diminished function speaks volumes. Whether or not this can be a short-term face-saver or a step in the direction of deeper accountability stays to be seen.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, Information Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic points, in addition to human pursuits tales. He has been overlaying Maharashtra and Goa for greater than a decade. Comply with him at @mayuganapa…Learn Extra
Mayuresh Ganapatye, Information Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic points, in addition to human pursuits tales. He has been overlaying Maharashtra and Goa for greater than a decade. Comply with him at @mayuganapa… Learn Extra
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