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Key Points

Supriya Sule has strongly criticized the Maharashtra government’s decision to shift Manikrao Kokate to the Sports Ministry after a viral video showed him playing rummy during an assembly session. She called the move a "reward" for misconduct and demanded Kokate’s resignation. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has ordered an inquiry into the video incident, calling it an insult to the legislature. The controversy highlights growing scrutiny over ministers’ conduct and priorities in Maharashtra politics.

Key Points: Supriya Sule Slams Kokate Sports Portfolio as Rummy Reward

  • NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar exposed Kokate playing rummy in assembly
  • Supriya Sule demands Kokate's resignation
  • Speaker Rahul Narvekar orders probe into viral video
  • Maharashtra govt shifts Kokate from Agriculture to Sports
3 min read

M'rasthra Agri Minister shifted to Sports; Supriya Sule says reward for playing Rummy

NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule calls Maharashtra’s Kokate reshuffle a "cruel joke" after viral rummy video during assembly session.

"Giving Sports portfolio to Kokate for playing rummy is a cruel joke – Supriya Sule"

Mumbai, August 1

The Maharashtra government has moved Manikrao Kokate from the Agriculture ministry to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs after a viral video of him playing a game on his mobile during the assembly session stirred a political row.

The controversy erupted after the NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar shared a video clip on X, showing Kokate allegedly playing an online rummy game on his phone during the session.

NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule strongly reacted to the government's decision to reassign the the minister's portfolio, terming the decision a "reward" for playing rummy.

In a post on X, Sule said, "The honourable Minister, who tarnishes the state's reputation by calling the Maharashtra government a "beggar," should be shown the door by none other than the honourable Chief Minister himself. The decision to reward him for playing rummy in the legislature by appointing him as the Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare and Minority Development, and Waqf is truly incomprehensible."

Sule termed the appointment of Kokate as Minister of Sports as a "cruel joke."

"This has laid bare the government's priorities. On one hand, the younger generation in the state is being ruined by chasing online rummy, and while there is a demand to ban it, giving an important portfolio like Sports and Youth Welfare to Manikrao Kokate as a reward for playing rummy in the legislature is nothing short of a cruel joke," NCP-SP leader Sule said.

https://x.com/supriya_sule/status/1951134851236876703

She further demanded the resignation of the newly appointed Sports minister.

"My humble request to the honourable Chief Minister is to please accept Manikrao Kokate's resignation and work to preserve the state's reputation."

Earlier on July 25, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar said that he has ordered a detailed inquiry into the viral video of Manikrao Kokate

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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree the minister's behavior was inappropriate, Supriya Sule's reaction seems too harsh. People make mistakes - maybe he was just stressed and needed a break. The Speaker is right to investigate properly before jumping to conclusions.
A
Aditya G
Typical political drama! Both sides are wrong here - minister shouldn't play games during session, but opposition is making mountain of molehill. Real issues like farmers' problems need attention, not this tamasha.
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Shreya B
As a young Maharashtrian, I'm deeply disappointed. If our leaders can't stay focused during assembly, how can we expect them to focus on state's development? Youth welfare minister playing rummy - irony is too much! 🤦‍♀️
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Karthik V
The bigger issue is recording in assembly - that's breach of privilege. All politicians use phones during sessions, this is just being politicized because elections are coming. Both BJP and NCP playing games, just different types!
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Neha E
Maybe he was practicing for his new role as Sports Minister! 😂 On serious note, this shows how unserious our politicians are about governance. Taxpayers' money is being wasted on such irresponsible behavior.

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