Controversy Engulfs Agriculture Minister Kokate: A Cabinet Shake-Up Looms?

Amid the swirling speculations regarding his position in the Maharashtra cabinet, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate met Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar. Sources reveal that the meeting was marked by Pawar's dissatisfaction with Kokate's problematic statements, adding to the controversies surrounding him.

Kokate's recent remarks have put the Mahayuti government and the Nationalist Congress Party in a precarious position. In a meeting lasting 15 minutes, Pawar expressed his discontent without extending any assurances of support to Kokate, who promised that similar incidents would not occur again.

After the meeting, Kokate avoided the press, further sparking rumors about his imminent departure from the cabinet. This follows a farmer delegation's appeal to retain Kokate, juxtaposed with Pawar's question about how many times forgiveness should be extended, highlighting the minister's contentious position in Nashik's farming discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)