Key Points

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has ordered an inquiry into Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate's viral gaming video. NCP-SP leaders Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule criticized Kokate for ignoring farmer suicides while playing games. The Speaker also condemned the unauthorized recording inside the Assembly. Calls for Kokate's resignation grow as the controversy escalates.

Key Points: Maharashtra Speaker Orders Probe Into Minister Kokate's Assembly Gaming Video

  • Speaker Narvekar condemns unauthorized recording in Assembly
  • NCP-SP leaders demand Kokate's resignation
  • Video shows minister gaming amid farmer suicides
  • Inquiry ordered to assess breach of legislative decorum
2 min read

Maharashtra Assembly: Speaker says ordered detailed inquiry into Agriculture Minister Kokate's gaming incident

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar orders inquiry after Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was caught playing mobile games during session.

"750 farmers have committed suicide in three months and the Agriculture Minister is playing games – Supriya Sule"

Mumbai, July 25

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar on Friday said that he has ordered a detailed inquiry into the viral video of the state's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing a game on his mobile inside the Assembly.

Speaking with ANI, Narverkar said that he will comment on the incident after receiving the report. However, he condemned the act of recording the video, terming it "an insult" to the assembly as it is not permitted.

"I have ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. I will comment on the issue once I receive the report. It is not allowed to shoot such videos in the Assembly. This is also an insult to the Assembly. An inquiry will have to be done in this matter."

The incident came to light when NCP-SP leader Rohit Pawar shared on Sunday, a purported video of Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister playing a game on his mobile during a legislative session, criticising him for his lack of attention to the State's pressing agricultural issues.

Pawar pointed out that while farmers are committing suicide daily and numerous agricultural concerns remain unresolved, the minister had time for leisure.

In a post on X, Rohit Pawar wrote, "Since the Nationalist faction in power cannot do anything without consulting the BJP, even with countless agricultural issues pending and 8 farmers committing suicide daily in the State, the Agriculture Minister, with nothing else to do, seems to have time to play rummy."

On Sunday, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule called for the resignation of Manikrao Kokate, pointing out that while 750 farmers had committed suicide in the past three months, the minister was engaged in playing games.

She urged the Chief Minister to take action and remove him from his position if he does not resign.

Addresssing reporters, Supriya Sule said, "A video of the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra has come out. When the House was in session and the debate was underway, he was playing rummy on his mobile...750 farmers have committed suicide in three months and the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra is playing these games. He should resign for this dirty act; otherwise, the Chief Minister should remove him."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the minister's behavior is unacceptable, the Speaker is right about unauthorized recording being wrong too. Both issues need attention - the disrespect to Assembly decorum AND the minister's negligence towards farmers' plight.
A
Aditya G
Typical politician behavior! This shows how disconnected our leaders are from ground realities. Meanwhile, my farmer uncle in Vidarbha is struggling to get MSP for his crops. When will they understand their responsibilities? 🤦‍♂️
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Sarah B
As someone working in agricultural policy, I must say this incident reflects poorly on the entire system. The minister should at least have the decency to apologize publicly. Playing games while farmers suffer is beyond insensitive.
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Nikhil C
Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe he was taking a short break? Assembly sessions can be long. Though I agree he should have been more careful, especially given the sensitive nature of his portfolio.
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Kavya N
This isn't just about one minister - it's about accountability in our democracy. If he stays in position after this, what message does it send? That ministers can get away with anything? Shameful display all around. #ResignKokate
R
Rohit P
The bigger issue is why our agricultural policies are failing so badly that farmers are driven to suicide.

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