Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate is facing criticism after a video of him playing a rummy game on his mobile went viral. Previously, Minister Manikrao Kokate had often been embroiled in controversies due to his contentious statements. Now, this video is drawing criticism towards him.
Many reactions are coming from the political circle on this. Today, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate held a press conference to announce various government schemes and also gave a reaction to the ongoing discussions about playing online rummy.
Manikrao Kokate said, "Actually, this incident is so small, I don't know why it was stretched so far. While playing rummy, you have to join your mobile number, you have to link the registered bank account. No such account number and mobile number of mine is registered in relation to the rummy game. I am going to ask for an inquiry by giving my mobile number and bank account details. Then you will realize that I have never played online rummy even for a single rupee."
"I don't know how to play rummy. Such an accusation is baseless and incorrect. I have been defamed in the state without any reason. I will not rest until I drag the leaders who conspired against me to court. The rummy seen on the mobile was an advertisement. I was messaging the OSD from the mobile to present information, and at that time, the rummy advertisement kept appearing on the mobile. I couldn't skip the advertisement that appeared."
"Because it was a new mobile, I didn't understand it. Later, I skipped the advertisement, and the video after skipping did not reach you on the mobile. Only this 15-second video has reached you." I will write to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to initiate an inquiry into this matter. And if I am found guilty in this inquiry, I will go to the Governor and resign. I don't know who recorded the video, it will be revealed in the inquiry report." said Manikrao Kokate.