Maharashtra Minister Kokate in New Controversy Over ‘Beggar’ Remark

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, already embroiled in controversy, has sparked another row with a fresh remark. This time, he referred to the government as a 'beggar' while trying to clarify a previous statement about farmers. The minister, who represents the Sinnar constituency in Nashik district, has faced significant backlash for his comments.

Earlier this year, Kokate was heavily criticized for allegedly comparing farmers to beggars. He had said, “Even a beggar does not take Re 1 in alms, but here we are giving crop insurance for Re 1. Even then, some people try to misuse it.” On Tuesday, while attempting to clarify his earlier statement, Kokate told reporters, “The government doesn't give Re 1 to farmers, it takes Re 1 from them. The government is a beggar.”

Kokate claimed that 5 lakh to 5.3 lakh bogus applications under the now-scrapped Re 1 crop insurance scheme were rejected, and corrective steps were taken. The scheme has since been replaced with the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme.

Reacting to the minister’s latest remarks, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “If he has made such a comment, it is inappropriate for ministers to speak in this manner. We have taken corrective measures in the crop insurance scheme as we saw insurance companies benefiting and not farmers. We have taken steps to make an investment of Rs 5,000 crore every year in the agriculture sector. Maharashtra's economy is good despite challenges.”

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also criticized Kokate's comments, calling them insensitive. “It is an insult to the hard work of all the chief ministers of the state so far and the people of the state. We will never tolerate this insult,” she said in a post on X.

Last week, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar shared a video that appeared to show minister Kokate playing Rummy on his phone during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature. The following day, Jitendra Awhad also posted two more videos, claiming Kokate was playing ‘Junglee Rummy’ during the proceedings.

Dismissing the allegations, Kokate told PTI, “I don't know how to play online rummy. One needs an OTP, and a bank account needs to be linked to play the game. One can check if my mobile phone is linked to any such game. I was trying to skip a game which popped up on my screen for 10 to 15 seconds.” He also threatened legal action against opposition leaders for allegedly defaming him by circulating the video.

When asked about the mounting calls for his resignation, Kokate pushed back strongly, saying, “Tell me what has happened for which the resignation has been demanded. Have I molested someone? Have I stolen something or decided against farmers? Do I have a criminal background?”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also voiced disapproval over the video, prompting a response from Kokate, who said, “The CM's reaction is based on media reports. It's true I didn't brief him.” Kokate maintained he has followed legislative rules for the past 25 years, but legal trouble continues to mount. A magistrate court in Nashik district recently convicted Kokate and his brother Sunil Kokate for submitting fake documents to secure flats under a government quota. They were sentenced to two years of imprisonment. Their conviction was stayed by the district court on March 5.