Arrest Warrant Against Manikrao Kokate, Ministerial Position in Jeopardy?
( Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate : ) A major controversy has arisen against the state's Sports and Youth Welfare Minister and Ajit Pawar group's leader Manikrao Kokate. In a housing scam case that occurred 30 years ago, the Nashik Sessions Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Manikrao Kokate. The court has ordered immediate implementation of the sentence in this case, which could lead to the arrest of Manikrao Kokate at any moment. This could also create turmoil in his ministerial position.
What exactly happened?
In 1995, at Prime Apartment in Canada Corner, Nashik, Manikrao Kokate and his brother Vijay Kokate used fake documents to obtain flats from the Chief Minister's quota (10% reserved). By misleading the administration, they managed to acquire four flats in the name of a single person. Former Minister Tukaram Dighole filed a complaint in this matter, and in 1997, a case of fraud was registered at the Sarkarwada police station.
Court's Decision
Previously, the Additional Chief Judge had convicted Manikrao Kokate and sentenced him to two years in prison, along with a fine of 10,000 rupees. Subsequently, Kokate challenged this decision in the Sessions Court, but Judge P. M. Badr dismissed his petition on December 16, 2025, upholding the previous verdict.
Strict Words of the Court
In today's hearing, Manikrao Kokate's lawyers claimed that he is in the hospital, so he should be given some relief. But the court rejected the claim of his lawyers and emphasized that everyone should be treated equally in the eyes of the law. As a result, the issuance of an arrest warrant for Manikrao Kokate has caused a stir in political circles. Now everyone is focused on whether he will have to resign from his ministerial position, or if he can obtain temporary relief through legal means.
Impact on State Politics
This result has not only increased the difficulties for Manikrao Kokate, but its repercussions are also beginning to be felt in the state's politics. This could prove to be a major crisis for the Ajit Pawar faction. The court has ordered immediate implementation of the sentence, raising the question of whether Manikrao Kokate will have to step down from the ministerial position, which has become a topic of discussion across the state.
In Brief
A major controversy has arisen against the state's Sports and Youth Welfare Minister and Ajit Pawar group's leader Manikrao Kokate.
The Nashik Sessions Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Manikrao Kokate in a housing scam case that occurred 30 years ago.
The court has ordered immediate sentencing in this case.
As a result, Manikrao Kokate can be arrested at any moment.