Mumbai :- Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate is at the center of a political storm as he prepares to address a press conference today amid growing calls for his resignation. The controversy stems from a viral video allegedly showing him playing an online game during a legislative session.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition leaders and even allies within the ruling alliance demanding accountability. NCP MP Supriya Sule called Kokate’s actions “disgraceful,” while Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing the ongoing farmer crisis in the state.
Kokate, however, has denied any wrongdoing. He claims the video has been misrepresented and insists he was only trying to close a YouTube ad and not playing the game. “I don’t even know how to play rummy,” he said, defending his conduct and calling for a formal inquiry.
The NCP leadership, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and state president Sunil Tatkare, have taken the matter seriously, promising internal investigation. In a related incident, NCP youth wing chief Suraj Chavan resigned after a clash broke out in Latur during a protest over the video.
Kokate has written to the Chief Minister and assembly leaders requesting an official probe. He has stated he is willing to resign during the winter session in Nagpur if found guilty in the inquiry. “If the investigation proves I’m wrong, I won’t wait a minute to resign,” he assured.
Today’s press conference is expected to be pivotal. Will Kokate step down amid mounting pressure, or will he stay on and await the outcome of the inquiry?
