NCP leader and Maharashtra government minister Manikrao Kokate, embroiled in a rummy controversy, has been removed from the agriculture ministry and given the responsibility of the sports and youth welfare department. This decision has stirred up political circles.
Sanjay Raut: Maharashtra politics is once again witnessing political turmoil. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut's recent statement has put the state government in the dock. Following the change in portfolio of Minister Manikrao Kokate, Raut said that not only Kokate, but four ministers of the state may have to resign.
Agriculture Ministry Snatch From Kokate
In a reshuffle by the Maharashtra government late on Thursday, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) minister Manikrao Kokate was relieved of the agriculture ministry and given charge of the sports and youth welfare, minority development, and Waqf departments. NCP leader Dattatrey Bharne has been appointed as the new agriculture minister in his place.
The controversy surrounding Minister Kokate deepened when a video of him playing 'rummy game' on his mobile phone while sitting in the Legislative Council during the monsoon session went viral on social media. This video was shared by NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leaders Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad. Prior to this, Kokate had also stirred controversy when he compared farmers to beggars.
Sanjay Raut Makes Serious Allegations
Sanjay Raut reacted sharply to this issue, saying,
'This person is the agriculture minister of the state, and when farmers are committing suicides in Maharashtra, he is sitting in the House and playing games on his mobile. In the last three months, about 800 farmers have committed suicide. Such insensitivity cannot be tolerated.'
He further said,
'There is heavy pressure on the government. Farmers across the state are angry. Ajit Pawar tried to save Kokate, but now it is not possible. Not only Kokate, four ministers will have to resign.'
Will there be a Political Earthquake in Maharashtra?
Raut's statement has created a stir in state politics. By claiming the resignation of four ministers, he has once again fueled the debate of Maha Vikas Aghadi versus Mahayuti government. Although Raut did not reveal the names of those four ministers, speculations are rife in political circles as to who might be the next target.
Since becoming the Deputy CM of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), he has been under constant attack from opposition parties. Sanjay Raut accused him of "defending" Kokate and said that despite Ajit Pawar's efforts, Kokate had to be removed, which clearly shows that there is public pressure on the government.
