A video purportedly showing Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing an online card game during an assembly session has ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra. The controversy, which began as a social media stir, has escalated into a full-blown clash, even involving violence.
The issue gained traction after Rohit Pawar, an MLA from the NCP (SP) faction, posted the video on X, alleging that Kokate was engrossed in gaming and neglecting House proceedings. Pawar criticized Kokate and the government, suggesting insensitivity to the agrarian crisis and implying that the ruling NCP faction, led by Ajit Pawar, was ineffective and subservient to the BJP. He pointed out the contradiction of a state minister playing rummy while the government claims to be cracking down on online gaming. He also highlighted the plight of farmers, with eight reported suicides daily, questioning whether the ministers would ever address their demands for crop insurance, loan waivers, and price support.
Kokate, who belongs to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, has defended himself against the allegations, claiming that he was trying to monitor Lower House proceedings from the Upper House when an online gaming advertisement appeared on his phone. He stated that he attempted to skip the ad and the video only shows him trying to close the advertisement. He accused Pawar of selectively editing the footage to defame the BJP-led government and insisted he was not playing rummy. Kokate further added that someone might have downloaded the game on his phone.
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from opposition leaders. Supriya Sule, an MP from the NCP (SP), demanded Kokate's resignation, highlighting the distress of farmers in the state. She noted the contradiction of the minister playing games while over 750 farmers have died by suicide in the past three months and urged the Chief Minister to take action. Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, also condemned Kokate's actions, emphasizing the insensitivity displayed towards farmers facing crop damage and financial worries. He suggested that Kokate should be stripped of his ministerial post for at least a month.
The situation took a turn when members of the Chhava Sanghatna, a Maratha outfit, protested at a press conference held by NCP state president Sunil Tatkare in Latur. The protesters threw playing cards and demanded Kokate's resignation. The symbolic protest escalated into violence when local NCP workers allegedly assaulted the activists after Tatkare left the venue, resulting in injuries to one activist.
Manikrao Kokate, a five-time MLA from Sinnar in Nashik district, has had a long and varied political career, including stints with the Shiv Sena and Congress. He has faced controversies in the past, including a conviction in a 30-year-old case involving document forgery and fraud. The current controversy adds another chapter to his political journey, raising questions about ethics and priorities in the face of agricultural distress.
