Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik

Nashik, Jul 22: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has landed himself in hot water yet again — this time by declaring that "the government is the beggar, not the farmers," triggering political outrage and a sharp rebuke from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Kokate’s latest remarks, made at a press conference on Tuesday, come on the heels of mounting criticism over a viral video showing him playing online rummy during the just-concluded monsoon session of the state legislature. Opposition leaders have demanded his resignation, which he firmly rejected.

In a controversial justification, Kokate said, “The government collects money from farmers but doesn’t return even a rupee. That makes the government the real beggar. My statement has been misinterpreted. I was referring to how one-rupee crop insurance attracted over 5.5 lakh bogus applications, which we later cancelled.”

This isn’t the first time Kokate’s words have stirred controversy. Earlier, he sparked backlash by saying, “Even beggars today don’t accept a rupee, but we gave crop insurance for one rupee, and it was misused.”

Fadnavis Distances Himself

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently in Gadchiroli, said, “I haven’t heard the full statement, but if he called the government a beggar, it’s completely wrong. No minister should make such remarks. Moreover, misinformation is being spread about the crop insurance scheme.”

Opposition Slams Kokate, Demands Sacking

The Congress and NCP-SP didn’t hold back. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal accused Kokate of degrading the dignity of his office and demanded immediate removal. “How can the Chief Minister tolerate such recklessness? Kokate should be sacked — not tomorrow, but today,” Sapkal said.

He further slammed Kokate for being tone-deaf to the plight of farmers. “Unseasonal rains have destroyed crops, compensation hasn’t been paid, loan waivers are incomplete, and some farmers are re-sowing due to crop failures. In such a time, the Agriculture Minister is playing rummy and blaming others,” he said.

‘Brazenness and Disrespect’: Sapkal

Highlighting the video circulating on social media of Kokate playing rummy in the Legislative Council, Sapkal said, “Kokate’s actions and his defence show no remorse. Worse, it suggests the Chief Minister has no control over his ministers. If Fadnavis is serious about governance, he must remove Kokate now.”

NCP-SP’s Rohini Khadse Joins Criticism

Echoing similar sentiments, Rohini Khadse of the NCP-SP women’s wing lashed out at Kokate. “Maharashtra is a state built by sacrifices and great leadership — from Yashwantrao Chavan to Vilasrao Deshmukh. Calling it a beggar is a disgrace,” she said.

She added pointedly, “You clearly have no capacity to lead. All you seem capable of is playing rummy. If that’s your contribution to Maharashtra, it’s time to step aside.”

As pressure mounts from both opposition parties and public outcry, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Fadnavis to see whether he will act — or continue to stand by a minister whose controversies continue to escalate.