A controversy has erupted in Maharashtra's political landscape after a video surfaced showing Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate purportedly playing rummy on his mobile phone during an assembly session. The video, posted on social media by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar, has drawn sharp criticism and sparked a war of words between the ruling and opposition parties.
Rohit Pawar, taking a swipe at the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), questioned the minister's priorities, especially at a time when farmers in the state are grappling with numerous issues, including debt and crop losses. Pawar sarcastically remarked, "Jungle Rummy Pe Aao Na Maharaj," implying that the NCP, now part of the ruling coalition, is unable to act independently without consulting its ally, the BJP. He further added that with countless agricultural issues pending and an alarming rate of farmer suicides – reportedly eight per day in the state – the Agriculture Minister seemingly has nothing better to do than play rummy.
Pawar's post also included a poignant appeal, "Kabhi gareeb kisaano ki kheti par bhi aao na maharaj," urging the minister and the government to address the concerns of farmers demanding crop insurance, loan waivers, and fair prices for their produce. He questioned whether those in power, who have seemingly lost their way, would heed the desperate cries of farmers seeking assistance. Pawar ended his statement with a call to action: "Khel thambva, karjmaafi dya" (Stop playing games, waive farmers' loans).
The incident has triggered a wave of reactions, with many questioning the commitment of the state government towards addressing the agrarian crisis. Critics argue that it reflects a lack of seriousness and empathy towards the plight of farmers who are struggling to make ends meet. The opposition is likely to use this incident to further corner the government on issues related to agriculture and rural distress.
The video's emergence coincides with growing concerns over farmer suicides and the overall state of agriculture in Maharashtra. Issues such as crop failure, lack of access to credit, and inadequate irrigation facilities have been persistent challenges for farmers in the region. The state government has implemented several schemes aimed at alleviating these problems, but their effectiveness remains a subject of debate.
It remains to be seen how Minister Kokate and the state government will respond to the criticism. The incident has undoubtedly put them on the defensive and added fuel to the ongoing political slugfest between the ruling and opposition parties. This controversy has diverted attention from other important issues being discussed in the assembly.
