Maharashtra's Culture at Stake: Tatkare Reacts to Kokate Video Controversy
Sunil Tatkare, the state president of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, interacted with the media this morning and made some important statements regarding Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. Speaking to reporters, Tatkare said, "I could not speak with Manikrao Kokate yesterday. However, he has clarified his position in the press conference. Responding to the video of Manikrao Kokate being shot from the gallery of the assembly, Sunil Tatkare said that this entire matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Assembly. The entire proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council come under the control of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly."
He further said, "The shooting that took place, whatever happened regarding the Agriculture Minister, the incident that occurred inside the legislature two days before the session ended is condemnable. A thorough investigation into Kokate's case must have been initiated by the Speaker or the Chairman."
"The tradition of Maharashtra's great culture was started by the late Yashwantrao Chavan. Previously, criticism of opponents used to be verbal. Compared to the way statements are made nowadays, there was a significant difference in the level of opposition back then," he said.
"I have worked as a member of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, as well as a minister. The incidents that have occurred recently are extremely distressing. These incidents tarnish the culture of Maharashtra," Tatkare mentioned.
He further said, "It is necessary for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy Chief Minister to jointly present their stance on this matter. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already presented his stance in the assembly regarding this. Meanwhile, it is true that Manikrao Kokate and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are scheduled to meet in Mumbai today. However, what will be concluded from that meeting, Ajit Pawar will tell me, only then can I convey it," Sunil Tatkare clarified."