From Cards to Courts: Minister Kokate's New Role in Sports

In a surprising political reshuffle, Maharashtra NCP minister Manikrao Kokate has exchanged his agriculture portfolio for a new position as the sports and youth welfare minister. This shift follows a controversy where a video surfaced of Kokate allegedly playing rummy on his mobile phone during a legislative council session.

Kokate, a member of the Nationalist Congress Party, welcomed the decision by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. 'My journey will continue,' Kokate assured, affirming his support for the incoming agriculture minister, Dattatrey Bharne, while expressing no discontent over the change.

The controversy erupted after NCP (SP) MLAs circulated the video, prompting calls for Kokate's dismissal. Kokate countered the allegations, stating that an advertisement for the game accidentally appeared on his screen. Despite the uproar, Kokate remains unperturbed and focused on his new ministerial duties.

(With inputs from agencies.)