Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate is in controversy these days over a video viral on social media. The controversy has increased so much that political stir has intensified in politics across Maharashtra. It is alleged that the state Agriculture Minister was playing a game of rummy on mobile during the proceedings of the State Legislative Council. However, in view of the growing controversy, Kokate has once again given clarification in the matter. He said that he does not know how to play online rummy and he will take legal action against the opposition leaders who defame him through this video.

Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate said that I am going to write a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Speaker Rahul Narvekar for investigation. If any truth is found in this, then I will go to the Governor in the winter session and resign.

Unnecessary controversy is being fueled

Kokate further said that this is such a small topic, I don't know why it is being made so long. Don't you know that mobile number and bank account are required to play online rummy? I do not have any such mobile number or bank account linked to the online rummy application. Ask anywhere, I have not played even a rupee of rummy since the day online rummy started. I cannot even play rummy. Therefore, the allegations against me are baseless. Kokate has clarified that he was not playing the game, but a pop-up came on the mobile.

Warning of legal action against those who defame

With this, in the end Kokate said that the opposition leaders have defamed him by making his incomplete video viral. Therefore, he will send them a defamation notice and take legal action. He said that I have been an MLA for 25 years, I know the dignity of the House. A small matter is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion. He said that if the Chief Minister finds him guilty in the investigation then he is ready to resign immediately.