A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after a viral video allegedly showed Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing a game on his mobile phone during an ongoing legislative assembly session. The video, shared by NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar, has sparked massive outrage and demands for Kokate’s immediate resignation.
This incident comes at a time when Maharashtra is grappling with rising farmer suicides, especially in the flood-affected Vidarbha region, amplifying the public’s anger over the perceived insensitivity from those in power.
Viral Video Triggers Political Outrage
The video shows Minister Manikrao Kokate appearing to be absorbed in a mobile game while crucial assembly discussions were underway. The footage quickly went viral, prompting criticism from both the opposition and the public.
“#जंगली_रमी_पे_आओ_ना_महाराज…!”
— Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) July 20, 2025
सत्तेतल्या राष्ट्रवादी गटाला भाजपला विचारल्याशिवाय काहीच करता येत नाही म्हणूनच शेतीचे असंख्य प्रश्न प्रलंबित असताना, राज्यात रोज ८ शेतकरी आत्महत्या करत असताना सुद्धा काही कामच नसल्याने कृषिमंत्र्यांवर रमी खेळण्याची वेळ येत असावी.
रस्ता भरकटलेल्या… pic.twitter.com/52jz7eTAtq
While initial reports claimed Kokate was playing Rummy, the minister clarified, stating,
“It is a solitaire game, not Rummy. Any of my colleagues must have downloaded it. I was trying to see what was happening in the lower house. The opposition is trying to demean the government.”
Despite Kokate’s defense, the incident has caused an uproar.
Supriya Sule Demands Resignation
NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule strongly criticized Kokate, saying:
“It is shameful that the agriculture minister is busy gaming online while farmers are committing suicide. Manikrao Kokate must resign.”
Her remarks struck a chord with many, especially as 767 farmers have reportedly taken their lives in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the deepening crisis in Maharashtra’s agricultural sector.
Rohit Pawar: “This Government is on Auto-Pilot”
NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar took to social media to take a jab at Kokate and the ruling faction of the NCP, which is aligned with the BJP:
“The ruling NCP faction is unable to function without consulting the BJP. Even as there are several issues related to agriculture pending, and eight farmers are dying by suicide every day, the agriculture minister, who has no work, has time to play rummy.”
He further questioned the priorities and accountability of the Mahayuti alliance government.
Vijay Wadettiwar Slams Kokate’s Conduct
Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar joined the chorus of criticism, raising serious questions about Kokate’s suitability for holding office:
“If a minister plays rummy inside the Assembly, it clearly shows he has no respect or seriousness for the dignity of his position. Should the Chief Minister really keep such a minister?”
Maharashtra’s Agrarian Crisis: The Bigger Picture
Beyond the controversy, this incident has brought renewed focus to the agrarian distress in Maharashtra. According to Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil, 767 farmer suicides were recorded between January and March 2025.
Opposition MLCs, including Dr Pradnya Rajeev Satav, Satej Patil, and Bhai Jagtap, have voiced concerns over the delay in compensation and lack of substantial action.
Earlier this week, CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to helping farmers, promising:
“A loan waiver is a short-term measure. We’ve set up a committee to suggest long-term solutions to resolve agriculture stress and bring farmers out of debt.”
However, critics argue that actions speak louder than words, and Kokate’s conduct sends the wrong message at a time when farmer suicides continue to rise.
Public Reaction and Call for Accountability
The video has sparked intense reactions from citizens, activists, and political commentators, many of whom are calling for:
- Immediate resignation or suspension of Manikrao Kokate
- A formal investigation into the incident
- Stricter assembly rules to prevent such misconduct
- Greater sensitivity and urgency in dealing with farmer issues
At a time when Maharashtra’s farmers are battling floods, debt, and despair, the sight of an agriculture minister allegedly playing a game inside the legislative assembly feels like a slap in the face to many. Whether it was Rummy or Solitaire, the symbolic damage has been done.
The incident has raised serious questions about the priorities, ethics, and accountability of those in power. As public outrage grows, the ball is now in the court of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Mahayuti government to take decisive action.