Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Caught Playing Rummy in Assembly, Opposition Slams ‘Insult to Democracy’

Pune | July 20, 2025 Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate is facing intense criticism after a video surfaced showing him allegedly playing Junglee Rummy, an online card game, on his phone during a legislative Assembly session. The video, shared by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar, has triggered a political storm with several opposition leaders calling Kokate’s actions a disgrace to the democratic process. Rohit Pawar, while posting the video on social media, targeted the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. “NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) cannot do anything without BJP’s approval. When farmers are dying by suicide daily and crucial agricultural issues remain unresolved, the agriculture minister appears to have no work and is busy playing rummy in the Assembly,” he remarked. Kokate, an MLA from Sinnar representing the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, has not responded publicly to the allegations. However, the visuals from the Assembly floor have fueled sharp criticism from all quarters. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar responded by pointing out that current laws offer no provision for action against a minister for such behavior. “At best, he will receive a warning. I had earlier urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to introduce a law to prevent such misconduct in the legislature, but he said it falls under the Central government's jurisdiction,” said Mungantiwar. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar also slammed Kokate, stating, “This is not the first time he has behaved irresponsibly. His conduct is nothing short of an insult to democracy. There was a time when MLAs were respected figures. Sadly, those days seem gone.” NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad delivered one of the harshest criticisms, noting that Kokate has not answered a single question during the Assembly session. “He is playing rummy right inside the legislature. Junglee Rummy has ruined many families across Maharashtra. Ministers like Kokate have no shame and no regard for the dignity of the legislature. I am eager to see how Deputy CM Ajit Pawar reacts to this,” said Awhad. He further referenced similar incidents in other states, adding, “In Karnataka, MLAs caught watching inappropriate content on their phones were suspended. If our ministers truly cared about farmers’ issues, they wouldn’t act this way in what is supposed to be the temple of democracy.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, suggesting that the controversy might have deeper political implications. “Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly wants four ministers out of the Maharashtra cabinet. Kokate is one of them,” he said. The incident has once again raised questions about discipline, accountability, and ethics in legislative assemblies. As the video continues to circulate widely on social media, the government has yet to make an official statement or announce any disciplinary action. Meanwhile, the opposition is likely to use the controversy to keep the heat on the government in the ongoing session. Rummy in the House? Maharashtra Minister Sparks Outrage! Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was caught playing Junglee Rummy during a live Assembly session, triggering backlash from all corners. With farmer suicides rising and critical issues pending, netizens and opposition leaders are calling it a slap to democracy. No action under current laws, just a warning. Shouldn’t our leaders be dealing cards of reform, not rummy? #ManikraoKokate #AssemblyDrama #JungleeRummy #MaharashtraPolitics #DemocracyFail #PoliticalAccountability #FarmerCrisis #ViralVideo #InstaNews #LeadersOrGamers