“If I’m Guilty, I’ll Resign”: Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Denies Playing Rummy in Assembly, Demands Inquiry

Mumbai: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate strongly denied allegations made by opposition parties that he was playing rummy on his mobile phone during a live session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The minister, under fire over a viral video clip, has demanded a formal investigation and threatened legal action against those attempting to malign his image.

Addressing the media outside Vidhan Bhavan, Kokate asserted that the charges were fabricated and politically motivated. “If I am proven guilty, I will not hesitate to submit my resignation directly to the Governor. I am fully confident in my integrity,” he said.

The controversy erupted after a short video surfaced on social media allegedly showing Kokate looking at his phone during Assembly proceedings. Opposition leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) quickly seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling government, accusing Kokate of disrespecting the House and the people of Maharashtra.

In response, the minister said he is ready to cooperate with any inquiry initiated by the Speaker or any designated official. “I will give full details—what I was doing, what was on the phone. Let the investigation happen transparently. I have nothing to hide,” Kokate stated.

Calling the allegation a part of a broader smear campaign, Kokate warned he would take legal recourse. “This is not just an attack on me but on the dignity of a public representative. I will be sending defamation notices to those spreading lies about me for political mileage,” he added.

The ruling coalition in Maharashtra has backed Kokate, calling for due process before jumping to conclusions. Meanwhile, opposition leaders continue to demand his resignation, calling the behavior “unbecoming of a minister.”