Maharashtra Minister Faces Backlash Over Alleged Rummy Game During Assembly Session
A political storm is brewing in Maharashtra following the emergence of a viral video allegedly showing Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing rummy on his mobile phone during a legislative assembly session. This incident has sparked outrage, particularly given the state's ongoing struggle with agrarian distress and a significant rise in farmer suicides, eight daily, according to opposition claims.
NCP leader Rohit Pawar, affiliated with Sharad Pawar, criticised the ruling NCP-BJP alliance, suggesting the Minister was neglecting pressing farmer issues. Minister Kokate has defended himself, stating the video is deceptive and incomplete.
He claims he was viewing assembly proceedings on YouTube when a game unexpectedly downloaded onto his phone, adding he attempted to close it but was momentarily unsuccessful. He also dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.