Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate has resigned from his position following his conviction in a 1995 housing scam case. The resignation came after a Nashik district court issued an arrest warrant against him. Kokate, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was found guilty of cheating and forgery related to the alleged misuse of a 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in a housing scheme three decades ago.

The Nashik sessions court upheld a two-year prison sentence against Kokate and his brother, Vijay Kokate. The court's decision has triggered political turbulence in Maharashtra, raising questions about ministerial accountability and intensifying pressure on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Following the conviction, opposition parties had aggressively demanded Kokate's resignation. Amid mounting pressure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis convened an urgent meeting. Sources indicated that both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena pressed for Kokate’s resignation, emphasizing that the government could not be perceived as shielding a convicted minister.

Kokate has been stripped of his portfolios pending formal resignation submission. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will now control the sports ministry, along with the finance and excise portfolios.

Kokate has approached the Bombay High Court in a bid to get a reprieve. He had previously challenged the sessions court's decision in the district court, but his plea was rejected. Reports indicate that Kokate was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai complaining of chest pain.

The Representation of People Act, 1951, stipulates that a person convicted of an offense and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years is disqualified from the date of such conviction and for a further period of six years since their release.

This is not the first time Kokate has faced controversy. In August 2025, he was removed from his post as agriculture minister following public outrage over his conduct and controversial remarks. He was reassigned to the sports and youth welfare ministry at that time.

The resignation of Manikrao Kokate has created political waves in Maharashtra, prompting discussions on ethics in governance and the accountability of public officials. The developments in the case and its political ramifications continue to unfold.