Controversy Erupts Over Sports Ministry Assignment to Minister Caught Gambling in Rummy Game
In a turn of events that has sparked public outrage, Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate has found himself at the centre of a controversy. A video surfaced showing him allegedly playing the online card game Junglee Rummy during a legislative assembly session[1][5].
The incident has been particularly troubling as it occurred during a time when farmers in Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis, with many struggling to make ends meet[5]. Critics have labelled Kokate's behaviour as insensitive and inappropriate, given that he held the agriculture portfolio at the time[1].
The opposition and the public have intensified their criticism following Kokate's controversial remarks about farmers and crop insurance[3]. In response to the controversy, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moved Kokate from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare ministry, appointing Dattatraya Bharane as the new agriculture minister[2][3].
However, Kokate has denied playing rummy, claiming he was merely trying to close a pop-up ad on his phone[3]. Despite this, the opposition has condemned the decision not to remove him from the cabinet and has mocked the shift by sarcastically suggesting that rummy might become a state game under Kokate’s new portfolio, with calls for rummy players to receive sports awards[2].
The Congress and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has urged the CM to demand Kokate's resignation to "restore the state's dignity," while the Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded his ouster due to the bar controversy[1]. The government's decision to merely reshuffle Kokate's portfolio, rather than taking strong disciplinary action, has been criticised as a lack of accountability[1].
CM Devendra Fadnavis has warned ministers against misconduct and stated that improper conduct will not be tolerated[1]. He has also emphasised that they are there to serve the people, and their words, behaviour, and conduct are being closely watched[1].
The controversy surrounding Manikrao Kokate continues to be a point of criticism for the opposition, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability and sensitivity in the Maharashtra government.
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/manikrao-kokate-moved-from-agriculture-to-sports-youth-welfare-portfolio-after-rummy-controversy/story-2k1p6rXD6x129Hc79QQX6N.html [2] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-minister-manikrao-kokate-moved-from-agriculture-to-youth-welfare-over-rummy-controversy-2594698 [3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/kokate-denies-playing-rummy-during-legislature-session/article36577100.ece [4] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/maharashtra-minister-manikrao-kokate-denies-playing-rummy-during-legislature-session-121092201131_1.html [5] https://www.theweek.in/news/buzz/maharashtra-minister-manikrao-kokate-rummy-controversy-farmers-crisis-788153.html
- Evidently, the debate in the realm of 'politics' has extended to include discussions about the sensitivity expected of political officials, with the situation surrounding Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate embroiled in a controversy over his alleged engagement in online card games during a legislative assembly session.
- Meanwhile, amid the 'sports' and 'crime-and-justice' sectors, the shifting of Kokate from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare ministry has sparked satirical comments and mockery, hinting at potential policy changes regarding online games under his new portfolio.
