Rohit Pawar Slams Government For Shielding Manikrao Kokate Over Rummy Controversy In Assembly

Pune | Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar has launched a fresh attack on the Maharashtra government, questioning its reluctance to take action against Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, who was recently caught playing an online game in the state Assembly.

Rohit Pawar alleged that contrary to initial claims, Kokate did not play Rummy for just 42 seconds but for 18 to 22 minutes, as revealed in a probe report by the state legislature. “This report has been submitted to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Will the government clarify this?” Rohit asked in a social media post.

He criticised both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for not taking strict action. “If the CM continues to protect a minister caught playing Rummy in the House, he loses the moral right to claim allegiance to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideology. Similarly, Ajit Dada cannot say he follows the principles of Yashwantrao Chavan,” Rohit said.

Despite speculation that Ajit Pawar would seek Kokate’s resignation, the minister was let off with a warning. Party sources revealed that Kokate met Ajit Pawar at Mantralaya and apologised, promising not to repeat the behaviour. Following this, Ajit Pawar reportedly decided against seeking his resignation.

During a Cabinet meeting later, CM Fadnavis expressed concern over ministers’ actions affecting the party’s public image, but no disciplinary decision was announced. Rohit Pawar, meanwhile, continues to press for Kokate’s dismissal.