Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, facing heat over the viral “Rummy video” and his controversial “beggar” remark on crop insurance, has been stripped of the Agriculture portfolio. He will now handle the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, while Dattatray Bharne takes charge of the crucial Agriculture Ministry.
The reshuffle comes after weeks of political pressure following Kokate’s alleged online card game session during a legislative assembly meeting and his earlier conviction in a forgery case, currently stayed by the court. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar opted for a portfolio change instead of removal, describing it as a necessary corrective step to maintain the government’s credibility.
With Bharne back in Agriculture, the government aims to reassure farmers and restore public confidence, while Kokate’s new role keeps him in the cabinet but away from the politically sensitive farm sector.
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