Pune, 23 July 2025: A video allegedly showing Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing online rummy during a legislative session has triggered sharp criticism and protests across the state. In a symbolic protest held outside the Pune District Collector’s Office, members of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) demanded Kokate’s resignation.
Led by NCP Pune city president Prashant Jagtap, the protest featured gambling props like fake currency notes, rummy cards, and betting boards. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Shetimalala nahi kiman hami, khelo Jungali Rummy” (“Minister plays rummy, farmers suffer”), “Kokate must resign”, and “If gambling is allowed, make Kokate the Chief Minister.” A large number of women also joined the protest.
Jagtap criticized Kokate’s conduct, stating that while the state is burdened with ₹10 lakh crore in debt and nine farmers die by suicide daily, the agriculture minister is playing rummy instead of addressing these serious issues in the Assembly. He also condemned the continued support Kokate receives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar despite his repeated controversial statements.
He added, “Until now, we were demanding his resignation. But if the government won’t act, maybe they should make Kokate the Chief Minister, he might be able to repay the state’s debt through gambling.”
Other NCP leaders present at the protest included former MLA Jagannath Shewale, Balasaheb Jadhav, Asif Shaikh, Raju Sane, Deepak Kamthe, Rohan Paigude, Pooja Katkar, Sangeeta Pawar, Dilshad Attar, Megha Satav, Yogesh Pawar, and Shekhar Dhawde.
