Will Ajit Pawar Take Action on Kokate’s Resignation?

Mumbai, July 21 (NationPress) In the midst of the uproar surrounding Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate—following the emergence of a video depicting him playing rummy on his phone during the recently completed monsoon session—state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare on Monday suggested that party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be the one to decide on Kokate's resignation.

Protests have erupted throughout Maharashtra, with the Chhava Sanghatana organizing demonstrations by playing cards on major roads and outside NCP offices, demanding Kokate’s resignation due to his perceived “apathy towards farmers.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has also conducted symbolic card-playing protests, echoing the same demand.

The faction of the NCP led by Sharad Pawar has openly questioned Ajit Pawar about when he will address Kokate's resignation.

Speaking in Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), Tatkare remarked, “While farmers are facing distress, the agriculture minister should prioritize addressing their issues. His actions were inappropriate. The party chief will make the appropriate decision.”

Tatkare also expressed disappointment with Kokate’s defense, effectively placing the decision squarely in Ajit Pawar’s hands.

Under increasing scrutiny, Kokate accused NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar of sharing a shortened, 18-second version of the controversial video online.

In his defense, Kokate asserted he was viewing YouTube videos on assembly proceedings after the council adjourned, and that ads had interrupted the stream. “Why would I play cards? I’m honest. My work is evident—nobody discusses my policies or the contributions I’ve made to agriculture,” he stated.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) women’s wing president Rohini Khadse raised concerns over the delay in action. In a video posted on X, she mentioned, “Ajit Pawar has accepted the resignation of the youth wing president who assaulted Chhava activists after they protested with playing cards in front of Sunil Tatkare in Latur. This is a positive move—but superficial fixes are inadequate. You can’t quench hunger for milk with buttermilk. Sacrificing a small fish to save the big one won’t suffice. Kokate’s resignation is also necessary.”

This is not Kokate’s first controversy. In February, the Nashik District Court sentenced him and his brother to two years in prison for a case involving forged documents to acquire flats under a government quota. However, the court stayed the sentence, allowing Kokate to keep both his ministerial role and MLA status.

Kokate has previously made contentious remarks regarding farmers. On one occasion, he claimed some farmers exploit crop insurance available for just one rupee. In another, he accused them of intentionally defaulting on loans, anticipating waivers. He also faced backlash for minimizing the need for post-disaster field assessments, stating, “What is there to assess when everything is washed away?”

Despite NCP leadership, including Ajit Pawar, having criticized Kokate for such statements, no decisive actions have been taken.

Simultaneously, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut condemned the minister's track record. “Maharashtra is being managed in a callous manner. Over 650 farmers have taken their own lives in the last three months. Two farmers even walked from Latur to Mumbai to voice their concerns. Yet, our agriculture minister seems oblivious to their plight. His remarks expose the government's true impact on agriculture,” Raut stated.