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The row erupted after a video showing Kokate allegedly playing cards on his mobile phone during an Assembly session went viral.
According to Manikrao Kokate, when he opened the phone, an online game popped up automatically, and he struggled to close it. (Image: X)
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has once again found himself at the centre of a controversy — but despite growing questions, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seems unlikely to seek his resignation any time soon. Reliable sources have told News18 that Kokate will stay in his post for now, even as his string of controversial statements and actions continue to stir the political waters.
The fresh row erupted after a video showing Kokate allegedly playing cards on his mobile phone during an Assembly session went viral. Critics quickly demanded action, saying it was disrespectful to the House. However, Kokate has strongly defended himself, claiming the viral clip is misleading.
Addressing reporters at his home town Nashik, Kokate explained that he needed to access information from his OSD while inside the House. Since his OSD could not enter the Assembly, he had asked for a mobile phone. According to Kokate, when he opened the phone, an online game popped up automatically, and he struggled to close it. “The phone was new for me. I didn’t know how to skip it immediately. The video you saw is just 11 seconds long — it doesn’t show me closing the game. If the full video was shown, people would know the truth,” he argued.
Kokate further said he would write to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Assembly Speaker demanding a detailed probe. “If the inquiry finds that I was indeed playing an online game inside the House, I will not wait even a minute. I will resign and hand over my resignation directly to the Governor,” Kokate declared, adding that he welcomes a fair investigation.
Sources informed this reporter that Kokate is likely to meet Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at the Mantralaya later today to discuss the matter. He is also expected to attend Agriculture Department hearings afterward. Despite the row, the NCP leadership appears in no hurry to sack him, with some leaders even questioning whether forcing a resignation over a mobile video is justified in this digital age when “everyone is glued to their phones.”
For now, all eyes are on Ajit Pawar and whether he will tighten the leash on Kokate, whose repeated controversies have become a political headache for the party.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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