The state's Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate is facing a major crisis. Due to the Nashik District Court's order for his arrest, he can be taken into police custody at any time. This development has also put Kokate's ministerial position in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, the Nashik High Court upheld the two-year sentence given by the lower court in the housing scam case. Following this verdict, the complainant in the case, Anjali Dighol Rathod, filed an application in the district court. After the hearing on this application, the court ordered an arrest warrant against Manikrao Kokate. This decision is considered a major blow to the Nationalist Congress Party.
Meanwhile, Manikrao Kokate has approached the Mumbai High Court against this decision. He has requested an urgent hearing and is expected to request a stay on the punishment. Sources say that no strict action will be taken against Kokate until the High Court's decision is announced, as indicated by discussions between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
According to sources, Manikrao Kokate has been given temporary relief by the party until the High Court's verdict. However, if the High Court does not grant a stay on the punishment, Kokate may have to resign from his ministerial position.
Currently, Manikrao Kokate is receiving treatment in the hospital, and this information will be provided to the court. He is already in trouble due to allegations of obtaining a government flat based on fake documents. If he does not receive immediate relief from the Mumbai High Court, his troubles are likely to increase further.
According to sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed displeasure after the arrest warrant was issued. Therefore, it is speculated that a major decision regarding Manikrao Kokate's political future may be made in the near future.
In Brief
The state's Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate is facing a major crisis.
Due to the Nashik District Court's order for his arrest, he can be taken into police custody at any time.
This development has also put Kokate's ministerial position in jeopardy.