Manikrao Kokate Sacked as Maharashtra Sports Minister, Conviction Rekindles Debate on Accountability in Mahayuti Government
Maharashtra politics was thrown into fresh turmoil on Thursday after Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Manikrao Kokate was removed as the state’s Sports...
Maharashtra politics was thrown into fresh turmoil on Thursday after Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Manikrao Kokate was removed as the state’s Sports Minister, months after a video showed him playing rummy on his phone during an Assembly session. While Kokate has lost his portfolio, he continues to remain a minister without charge and the sitting MLA from Sinnar—fueling sharp opposition attacks and renewed questions over standards of accountability within the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
What Led to Kokate’s Removal
Kokate’s exit from the Sports Ministry came a day after a Nashik court upheld his conviction and two-year prison sentence in a 1995 housing scam case. The case relates to the alleged misuse of a 10% quota meant for economically weaker sections, and also involves his brother, Vijay Kokate.
Facing the prospect of arrest, Kokate has moved the Bombay High Court challenging the conviction. While the High Court agreed to hear his plea, the matter is scheduled for Friday, leaving him exposed to interim custody. To avoid immediate arrest, Kokate was admitted to a Mumbai hospital, according to sources.
Why This Case Is Politically Sensitive
Unlike several recent controversies involving ministers in the Mahayuti government, Kokate’s situation is different because it involves a confirmed conviction, not merely allegations. This distinction has intensified pressure on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to act decisively.
Opposition parties have been quick to highlight what they call “double standards,” pointing out that Congress leader Sunil Kedar was swiftly disqualified from the Assembly in December 2023 following his conviction in a corruption case.
A Pattern of Embarrassment for the Ruling Alliance
Kokate’s troubles add to a series of controversies that have plagued the Mahayuti government in recent months. Earlier this year, Chief Minister Fadnavis publicly warned his ministers against “controversial conduct” after Kokate’s rummy-playing video went viral. However, that warning appears to have had limited impact.
Soon after, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) minister Sanjay Shirasat faced criticism following the circulation of a video allegedly showing him smoking in innerwear beside what appeared to be bundles of cash. Shirasat denied the allegations, claiming the bag contained clothes, despite the visuals raising questions. He remains a minister.
Another Sena leader, then junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam, was accused by the opposition of links to illegal sand mining and banned dance bars. Kadam denied all charges and continues in office, as does Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, who faced allegations of irregularities in departmental recruitment.
Contrast With Earlier Resignations
The Kokate episode follows the resignation of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde in March after an associate was linked to a murder case in Beed district. Munde’s subsequent political re-emergence—including public events and a meeting with senior BJP leader Amit Shah—has already triggered speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle.
In Kokate’s case, however, legal conviction has narrowed the government’s room for manoeuvre, making continued protection politically costly.
Pressure on Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar
Sources say Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought clarity from Ajit Pawar on how the NCP faction plans to handle Kokate’s status, amid growing pressure from within the Mahayuti—particularly from the Shiv Sena—to remove him completely from the cabinet.
With the opposition sharpening its attacks and court proceedings underway, the coming days are likely to test the Mahayuti government’s commitment to ethical governance and consistent standards.
Why It Matters
The Kokate controversy has once again put the spotlight on political accountability in Maharashtra. As coalition governments juggle power-sharing and image management, the handling of convicted leaders versus those facing allegations could influence public trust ahead of future elections.