Maharashtra Agri Minister Calls Govt 'Beggar', CM Reacts

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, who is a leader of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), is in the news again due to his controversial statements. In a press conference, he said that "the state government is a beggar", which created a stir in the political atmosphere. On this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted strongly and said that ministers should not use such language. He also clarified that Maharashtra's economy is in a strong position despite the challenges.

Kokate had said in an old statement that now even beggars are not available for Rs 1, but the state government has provided crop insurance to farmers for Rs 1, which was misused by some farmers. When questions were raised on this statement, he clarified that in fact the state itself is a beggar, because it is taking Rs 1 from the farmers. The minister, from Sinnar constituency in Nashik district, said 5 lakh to 5.3 lakh fake applications were received for the Re 1 crop insurance scheme, which he rejected and took several corrective steps. The scheme, which was launched two years ago, was discontinued a few months ago and replaced by the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

Expressing his strong displeasure over Kokate's statement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Gadchiroli that if he has said that the state is a beggar, it is extremely wrong. He said the state is investing Rs 5,000 crore in the agriculture sector every year and a total of Rs 25,000 crore will be invested in the next five years. Such statements are against the self-respect of farmers and the prestige of the state. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule termed it an insult to the people of Maharashtra and former chief ministers and said that this insensitive statement will not be tolerated.

Demand for resignation arose

Opposition parties demanded the resignation of Kokate due to allegations of playing 'rummy game'. A video went viral on social media, in which the minister was seen playing 'Junglee Rummy' on mobile during the legislature. However, Kokate denied these allegations and said that he was only trying to close a pop-up game. He also claimed that he does not know how to play 'rummy' and his mobile is not connected to any game. Calling this controversy a conspiracy, he talked about filing a defamation case against those leaders who defamed him through an incomplete video. He also said that if the video is proved to be true, he is ready to resign.