Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate’s Rummy Video Goes Viral

While a serious picture of farmer suicides is emerging in the state, a video of the state's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing rummy is currently making waves on social media. This video has been directly shared by MLA Rohit Pawar from his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, and he has strongly criticized Kokate over it.

"While farmers' suicides continue, the Agriculture Minister is busy playing games," tweeted Rohit Pawar, questioning the sensitivity of the state government. In the video, Kokate is clearly seen playing rummy at a location. Responding to this incident, Shiv Sena's (Uddhav Thackeray faction) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare said, "Some people in the state cabinet may not even know why they were elected. Is this cabinet for the people or just for their own benefit?"

Farmer leader Ravikant Tupkar also expressed his anger and stated his clear opinion. "People in public life should behave more responsibly. Even if private life is separate, it is a duty to maintain the dignity of public office. When farmers are in crisis, it is expected that the agriculture minister should provide support, not play rummy." Due to insufficient rainfall in many parts of the state, crops have suffered significant damage. There are complaints of pests on soybeans. In some areas, doubts are being raised about the quality of seeds. Farmers are facing the time for re-sowing. In such a situation, the image of the agriculture minister being engrossed in games, considering himself free, is proving to be even more distressing.

Thackeray group's leader Ambadas Danve also expressed dissatisfaction over this incident, saying, "If the Agriculture Minister plays rummy, it is an insult to the temple of democracy. This is a matter of great insensitivity." Due to this entire incident, the responsibility of the ruling party, the behavior of the people's representatives, and the issues of farmers in the state have once again become the center of discussion. This controversial video raises questions about the government's functioning and the sensitivity of the administration. Farmers' problems are serious. The series of suicides is not stopping. In such times, it is the need of the hour for the head of the government and the cabinet to act more aware, vigilant, and accept responsibility.