Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has landed in the midst of a major political controversy after a video allegedly showing him playing the online card game Junglee Rummy on his mobile phone during a session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly surfaced on social media. The video was shared by Rohit Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar faction (NCP-SP).
Rohit Pawar strongly criticized the minister, stating that while Maharashtra grapples with severe agrarian distress—with an alarming number of eight farmers reportedly dying by suicide every day—the agriculture minister was seen idly passing time playing an online game inside the very Assembly meant to debate and solve these pressing issues.
Pawar remarked that Kokate, a member of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and the MLA from Sinnar constituency, appeared disengaged from his responsibilities, accusing the faction of acting solely under the direction of their BJP allies.
The video drew swift political reactions. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar downplayed the incident, saying there is currently no legal provision to take action against Minister Kokate for such behaviour.
He mentioned that he had previously urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enact a law banning such activities during Assembly sessions.
However, he claimed the CM responded that this falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, not the state.
Prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar expressed dismay over the minister’s conduct, labeling it a disgrace to democratic values. “This is not the first time Kokate has behaved irresponsibly,” she said, adding, “There was a time when legislators were respected, but now their conduct is becoming more and more embarrassing.”
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad offered scathing criticism. “He’s not playing this game in private; he’s playing it right inside the state legislature, the very sanctum where the future of our farmers and state is discussed,” said Awhad.
He highlighted that Kokate has never answered a single question posed in the House and that his choice of game, Junglee Rummy, has reportedly ruined numerous families through gambling addiction.
Awhad questioned Kokate’s integrity and called for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to take accountability and act, asking, “Will he have the courage to discipline his minister?”
Awhad also compared Maharashtra to Karnataka, where Assembly members caught watching videos or playing games during sessions were suspended and asked to remain at home.
“If our ministers were truly concerned about farmer suicides and agrarian crises,” he added, “they would not be displaying such brazen disregard for their duties. The legislature is a temple of democracy, and what’s unfolding here is a desecration of that temple.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in on the scandal, claiming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already identified four Maharashtra ministers whose conduct has raised red flags—and that Manikrao Kokate is among them.
His remarks have further intensified speculation about internal discontent and potential cabinet reshuffles.
This incident has not only drawn attention to individual misconduct but also reignited debate over the lack of a formal code of conduct for elected representatives inside legislative chambers, especially in the era of smartphones and social media.
The episode underscores the growing public frustration with political apathy, particularly when crucial issues like farmer suicides, rural distress, and governance failures are at the forefront.
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