The Maharashtra government, amid mounting pressure from the opposition, shuffled the departments of two NCP ministers late on Thursday night. Kokate, who faced criticism from the opposition after a viral video allegedly showing him playing online rummy during a Legislative Assembly session, has been appointed the new sports minister, while Dattatray Bharne, who previously held the sports portfolio, has been assigned the Agriculture ministry.
Responding to the reshuffle, NCP SP MP Supriya Sule told reporters in Delhi, "The person (Manikrao Kokate) who is playing cards in the House, which is called the temple of democracy, should have been asked to resign, but they (BJP) have instead given him (Manikrao Kokate) a promotion."
"On one hand, under the Khelo India programme, athletes are working to build their careers, and on the other hand, a leader who plays cards, 'Rummy Rao,' has been given this ministry. This is very harmful for Maharashtra," she added.
After Kokate was handed the sports ministry, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that Ajit Pawar tried to save Kokate. "Manikrao Kokate doesn't deserve to be in the cabinet," he said.
The circular was signed by Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department.
The Maharashtra government's decision is viewed as a compromise to contain the controversy whilst addressing public outrage over Kokate's conduct and his controversial remarks about farmers.
