Mumbai: The State Assembly and the Speaker will decide on the resignation of agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the State Legislative Council.
Issue Causes An Uproar
The issue caused an uproar on the first day of the council session on Monday, with opposition leader Ambadas Danve demanding that the government clarify its stand. Despite being asked to speak the next day, Danve insisted, “A minister has been convicted by the court, and no stay has been granted on his sentence. He has been sentenced to two years in prison, yet his resignation has not been taken. He is still participating in the session.”
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the issue is currently under the purview of the Lower House and can be brought up through other means. Fadnavis later responded that the appeal hearing in the matter has been completed, and the court has reserved its judgment.
“Once the order is issued, the State Assembly or the Governor will take a decision on the matter,” he said.
Speaking to the media, Congress MLC Satej Patil and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar questioned why immediate action was taken against Rahul Gandhi when he was convicted by a Gujarat court but now not against Kokate. Similarly, Congress MLA Sunil Kedar was barred from contesting elections, they said.
“In this case, the minister defrauded the government to acquire a flat, yet no action has been taken against him,” they added.
Meanwhile, a 15-minute closed-door meeting was held between Kokate, Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and Narwekar in the latter’s chamber. It is believed that the discussion focused on the growing pressure from the opposition.
