After weeks of public criticism, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar has taken action against Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, who was recently caught on video allegedly playing an online rummy game during a legislative council session.
Though Kokate retains his cabinet position, his portfolios have been swapped with those of fellow NCP leader Dattatray Bharne. As per a notification from the General Administration Department on Thursday evening, Kokate will now handle the Sports, Youth Welfare, and Minority Affairs ministries, while Bharne assumes charge of the Agriculture Department.
Party insiders said the decision was finalized at an NCP meeting on Thursday and later conveyed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has been reportedly displeased with Kokate and some Shiv Sena ministers for repeated controversies.
This reshuffle comes in response to mounting backlash after a viral video showed Kokate allegedly playing rummy for about 20 minutes during the session. Legislator Rohit Pawar raised the issue, which led to an official inquiry confirming the incident.
Kokate denied the allegations, claiming the app was a pop-up ad. However, his prior controversial remarks — including comparing farmers to beggars and calling the government a “beggar” — had already strained his standing within the party.
While Kokate’s punishment stops short of removal — unlike Dhananjay Munde’s ouster in March — it signals a strong message. Bharne, seen as a loyal Pawar ally and experienced legislator, is expected to bring stability to the critical agriculture portfolio.