Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, embroiled in multiple controversies, met Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday amid speculation about his ouster from the state cabinet. Sources described the 15-minute meeting in Pawar’s Mantralaya antechamber as tense, with Pawar expressing strong displeasure over Kokate’s repeated gaffes, particularly those targeting farmers, which have embarrassed the Mahayuti government and NCP.

Kokate, accompanied by his daughter, reportedly apologized for his actions, including a viral video purportedly showing him playing an online card game, ‘rummy,’ during the legislative session and remarks labeling the government a “beggar” while defending earlier comments calling farmers “beggars.” He assured Pawar such incidents would not recur, but sources said Pawar offered no assurances of support, leaving Kokate’s position precarious. Kokate avoided reporters post-meeting, heading straight to the cabinet session, fueling speculation of an imminent decision.

Earlier, a Nashik farmers’ delegation urged Pawar to retain Kokate, but Pawar responded, “How many times should one be forgiven?” He referenced his own past voluntary resignation, noting the lack of public defense for him then. Kokate, a five-time MLA from Sinnar, has a history of controversies, including a February 2025 conviction in a 30-year-old Nashik housing fraud case (later stayed) and admitting 3-4% corruption in the Re 1 Crop Insurance Scheme.

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Opposition leaders, including NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress’ Harshvardhan Sapkal, have demanded Kokate’s resignation, citing insensitivity amid Maharashtra’s agrarian crisis, with eight daily farmer suicides. Pawar has scheduled further discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with a decision expected soon. Posts on X reflect public frustration, questioning Kokate’s conduct and urging accountability, though some farmers’ groups support him. The controversy underscores tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, navigating pressure post its 2024 electoral victory.

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