Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has ignited yet another controversy, this time referring to the state government as a "beggar". This remark follows closely on the heels of an uproar caused by a video purportedly showing him playing rummy during the monsoon session of the state legislature.
Kokate's "beggar" comment was made while attempting to clarify an earlier statement regarding crop insurance for farmers. He had previously suggested that even beggars don't accept one rupee in alms, while the government provides crop insurance for that amount. Addressing the media in Nashik, Kokate stated, "Govt doesn't give Re 1 to the farmers, it takes Re 1 from them for crop insurance. So who is the beggar here? Govt is a beggar, and not the farmer. My statement was misconstrued then by the people". He explained that the government collects one rupee from farmers for crop insurance but doesn't give a single rupee to them. He claimed his statement was misinterpreted and that the one-rupee insurance led to 550,000 bogus applications, which were later canceled. The one-rupee crop insurance scheme has since been replaced with the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently in Gadchiroli, expressed his disapproval of Kokate's remarks, deeming them "inappropriate". Fadnavis stated that it is not right for a minister to make such a statement and that very wrong information has been spread about crop insurance. He added that the state has taken corrective measures in the crop insurance scheme to ensure farmers benefit, with plans to invest ₹5,000 crore annually in the agriculture sector. Fadnavis also asserted that Maharashtra's financial condition is strong, with controlled debt and a fiscal deficit within permissible limits.
The Congress party has strongly condemned Kokate's statement, labeling it as "extreme insensitivity". State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal called for Kokate's immediate removal from office, questioning why the Chief Minister is backing him. Sapkal argued that Kokate's actions have brought disgrace to his ministerial office and that someone more sensitive to agriculture and farmers should handle the portfolio. He also referenced the widely circulated videos of Kokate allegedly playing online rummy in the Legislative Council.
NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule also criticized Kokate's remarks. She stated that calling Maharashtra a "beggar" is an insult to those who contributed to making it the most prosperous state in the country. Rohini Khadse, state chief of the NCP SP women's wing, also slammed Kokate, questioning his capability to work for Maharashtra and suggesting he is only good at playing rummy.
Kokate has also faced scrutiny for a video clip that went viral, allegedly showing him playing rummy on his mobile phone during the monsoon session of the state legislature. The opposition has demanded his resignation over the incident. Kokate has denied playing rummy, claiming he was trying to skip a game that popped up on his screen. He has warned of legal action against those who "defamed" him by sharing the video. He stated he doesn't know how to play online rummy, and that he was trying to skip a game which popped up on his screen for 10 to 15 seconds. He challenged anyone to check if his phone is linked to any such game.
Kokate has been a member of the Legislative Assembly for 25 years and insists he is well aware of the House's rules. He stated that if the video is proven right, he will tender his resignation.
