Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has found himself at the center of a political storm after a video surfaced showing him allegedly playing an online rummy game (Junglee Rummy) during a legislative assembly session, even as the state battles a mounting agrarian crisis.
The video was made public by Rohit Pawar, a leader from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and grandnephew of Sharad Pawar. Rohit launched a scathing attack on both Kokate and the state government, saying:
“Eight farmers are committing suicide daily in the state… but the Agriculture Minister has time to play rummy.”
He accused the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, which Kokate belongs to, of being subservient to the BJP, and insensitive to farmer struggles, including demands for loan waivers, crop insurance, and MSP support.
Manikrao Kokate’s Defense:
Kokate, MLA from Sinnar, denied playing the game intentionally. He claimed:
-
The Upper House had been adjourned, and he was trying to open YouTube to follow proceedings in the Lower House.
-
Someone had allegedly downloaded the game on his phone.
-
He was merely “skipping” the game when the video was taken.
-
The clip was selectively edited and part of a political ploy by the opposition.
He called for the release of the full video to clarify the context.
Political Reactions:
The backlash has been swift and bipartisan:
-
Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) demanded Kokate’s resignation, calling it:
“A dirty act…750 farmers have committed suicide in three months.”
-
Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council (Shiv Sena - UBT), said Kokate’s actions showed shocking insensitivity:
“At least suspend him for a month.”
-
Jitendra Awhad (NCP-SP) mocked Kokate with a viral poster reading:
“Farmers, forget guarantees… play rummy.”
Broader Criticism:
Many pointed out the contradiction in the state government’s crackdown on online gaming — frequently citing its role in financial ruin — while a minister is caught playing such games inside the Assembly. Critics also emphasized the symbolism: a minister of agriculture, at a time of severe flooding, drought, and farmer suicides, seen casually playing a card game in the House.
The incident has intensified pressure on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to act. So far, there has been no official announcement regarding disciplinary action, but the controversy has added to the growing list of challenges faced by the ruling Shinde-Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar alliance in Maharashtra.
