Solapur: Despite managing to retain his cabinet position, Manikrao Kokate has been stripped of the Agriculture Ministry following recent controversies. A video of Kokate playing rummy on his mobile phone inside the Maharashtra Legislative Council, along with his inflammatory statements, sparked widespread criticism.
In the reshuffle, Dattatray Bharane has been promoted and handed the Agriculture portfolio, while Kokate has been reassigned Bharane's previous responsibilities Sports & Youth Welfare, Minority Development, and Waqf departments.
The changes were initiated after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who then informed Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and issued the official notification late at night.
Rohit Pawar, MLA from the Sharad Pawar faction, brought the rummy video to light, leading to sharp criticism not only of Kokate but also of the Ajit Pawar-led group. Instead of addressing the issue calmly, Kokate reportedly made provocative remarks, worsening the controversy. CM Fadnavis later issued a stern warning to all cabinet ministers, with Ajit Pawar also reprimanding Kokate.
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