Mumbai: The troubles for Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate appear to be mounting, following a series of controversies that have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
A recent viral video showing Kokate playing a rummy game on his mobile phone during an Assembly session and making derogatory remarks about farmers has put the ruling Mahayuti government in an uncomfortable position.
While there is increasing pressure from opposition leaders demanding Kokateâs resignation, sources suggest the government instead opt for a cabinet reshuffle.
Resignation Unlikely, Reshuffle on Cards
According to information from credible sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and State NCP President Sunil Tatkare held a closed-door meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, where a decision was reportedly taken to change Kokateâs ministerial portfolio rather than seek his resignation.
NCP Leaders Consider Successors
Sources reveal that the Agriculture Ministry currently held by Kokate will be handed over to either Makrand Patil or Dattatray Bharne, both of whom are NCP ministers. Bharne currently holds the Sports and Youth Welfare portfolio, while Patil oversees the Relief and Rehabilitation department. In exchange, Kokate will be assigned to one of these two departments.
Speaking to the media, Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne said, âI am ready to take on any responsibility assigned by Ajit Dada (Pawar). I have never asked for anything, yet I have received a lotâfrom Zila Parishad chairman to MLA to cabinet minister. However, I have not received any official communication regarding any change in my portfolio, so I cannot comment further.â
Governor Briefed, Announcement Soon
Amid the reshuffle buzz, CM Devendra Fadnavis also met Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. An official announcement on the reshuffle is expected in a day or two.
Kokate Responds to Criticism
Manikrao Kokate, meanwhile, denied that he was asked to resign or that he offered to do so. Speaking to a Marathi news channel in Pune, Kokate said, âI will comment only after the inquiry report on the card game issue is released. I met Ajit Dada on my own to explain my position. I have already apologized to farmers if they felt hurt due to the controversy.â
Earlier this week, CM Fadnavis expressed strong displeasure over the viral video and Kokate's âbeggar governmentâ remark. Despite this, the Mahayuti government is taking a middle path by reshuffling portfolios instead of demanding Kokateâs resignation.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on who will take over the crucial Agriculture Ministry and how the decision will impact the coalition dynamics within the state government.
