Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Issues Stern Warning To Mahayuti Ministers Amid Growing Controversies; Ajit Pawar Reprimands Kokate

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly issued a stern warning to state ministers, including those from the Mahayuti alliance, following a string of controversies that have put the government on the defensive. The warning was delivered during a post-cabinet meeting, where Fadnavis expressed strong displeasure over ministers’ conduct and emphasised the urgent need to protect the government’s image.

Sources reveal that Fadnavis, visibly upset, asked all ministers to refrain from making controversial statements and to limit unnecessary interactions with the media. He further instructed them to issue timely clarifications if any action or comment leads to public backlash. “If such incidents continue to tarnish the government's image, I will be forced to reconsider my stance,” Fadnavis is believed to have warned, sending a clear message of zero tolerance.

The Mahayuti government has faced a storm of criticism in recent days due to the actions and statements of several of its ministers. Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate caused an uproar by referring to the government as a “beggar,” while a video surfaced showing him playing an online rummy game during an assembly session.

Viral Videos and Scandals Tarnish Mahayuti’s Public Image

Another embarrassment came with a viral video of Minister Sanjay Shirsat allegedly smoking in a room where bags of cash were visible. Furthermore, allegations made by UBT MLC Anil Parab against Minister of State Yogesh Kadam — concerning his alleged involvement in running a dance bar in Kandivali and illegal sand mining operations in the Jagbudi River in Ratnagiri — have intensified pressure on the ruling coalition.

Reliable sources say that during the cabinet meeting, all bureaucrats were asked to leave the room, after which CM Fadnavis indirectly rebuked ministers Manikrao Kokate, Sanjay Shirsat, and Bharat Gogawale. The Chief Minister is believed to have taken a firm tone while addressing the growing public resentment stemming from their behavior.

Ajit Pawar Scolds Kokate Amid Resignation Buzz

Amid mounting calls for accountability, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar summoned Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for a private meeting following speculation that Kokate might be asked to resign. Sources say Kokate, accompanied by his daughter, met Pawar in his ante-chamber at Mantralaya, where Pawar reportedly reprimanded him strongly.

“Your actions are bringing disrepute to the government. Ministers must remain aware of what they are saying and doing in public,” Pawar is said to have told Kokate. Following the scolding, Kokate expressed regret and assured the Deputy CM that he would avoid such conduct in the future.

Mahayuti Government Struggles to Contain Internal Turmoil

Despite growing pressure, including from within the alliance, to remove Kokate from his ministerial post, a section of farmer leaders from Nashik district arrived at Mantralaya to plead on his behalf. They requested Pawar not to accept Kokate’s resignation. However, Pawar reportedly responded curtly, saying, “How many mistakes should we forgive? When I appointed him, none of you were here. But now, you want to save him?”

This firm stance from Pawar suggests the Mahayuti leadership is under increasing pressure to enforce discipline and uphold accountability as opposition parties intensify their demands for resignations and probes into these controversies.