Manikrao Kokate. File
| Photo Credit: X/@kokate_manikrao
Amid speculation on his continuation in the Maharashtra Cabinet, controversial Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate on Thursday (July 31, 2025) claimed he neither offered to resign nor was he asked to step down by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) or Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
A huge political firestorm erupted after videos purportedly showing Mr. Kokate playing a rummy game of cards in the State legislature went viral.
The Opposition has been demanding Mr. Kokate’s resignation over his repeated remarks that have triggered controversies in the last few months. The NCP leader has denied allegations of playing a game of cards.
“I do not want to speak on this issue anymore. I will speak after the inquiry report (on the card game issue) is out,” Mr. Kokate told a Marathi news channel in Pune. Mr. Kokate was reportedly ticked off by Ajit Pawar on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) during their meeting in Mantralaya.
Manikrao Kokate denies playing rummy during Assembly, calls controversy politically motivated
“I met Ajitdada on my own and clarified my stand. I had apologised to farmers recently during media interaction if their sentiments were hurt due to the card game controversy,” he said.
Responding to a specific query, Mr. Kokate said neither he offered to quit as a Minister nor was he asked to step down by any leader of the NCP, government or the Chief Minister. He recently ignited another row by terming the State Government a “beggar” while clarifying his previous controversial remarks directed at farmers on the ₹1 crop insurance.
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister in row over video showing him playing rummy in Assembly
“The Chief Minister had expressed his displeasure over the beggar’s statement. I called him up and clarified my stand. I blame it on the lack of articulation,” he added.
Published – July 31, 2025 05:09 pm IST
