'I Did Not Commit Any Sin': Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Defends Viral Rummy Video

Mumbai: Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, this time over a viral video that appears to show him playing the game Junglee Rummy inside the state legislature. The video, shared on social media by NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, quickly drew criticism, prompting Kokate to respond publicly and defend his actions.

“I did not commit any sin,” Kokate told ABP Majha. He claimed the video is being taken out of context. “I was sitting in the upper house, watching a YouTube stream of the proceedings in the lower house. During that time, a Junglee Rummy ad popped up. It took two or three seconds to skip the ad. Don’t you get those ads too?” he asked pointedly.

Kokate denied playing any game during the session, adding, “Since my work is transparent, why would I indulge in such things? I didn’t even notice the ad. I skipped it that second itself.”

The minister accused political opponents of using the short clip to malign his image. “There is a clear attempt to defame me. They don’t talk about the real work we’re doing for farmers. Why give so much importance to this?” he questioned.

Taking a swipe at Pawar, he said, “Even his phone gets Junglee Rummy ads. Does that mean he’s playing games too? I was just entertaining myself momentarily.”

Kokate also addressed ongoing development in his department. “Efforts are in full swing. Instead of focusing on that, people are dragging my name for no reason,” he said.

When asked about Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s claim that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has decided to remove four ministers—including Kokate—he brushed it off. “I don’t know if Sanjay Raut knows anything. I haven’t received any such information.”

As the controversy rages on, Kokate continues to insist he did nothing wrong. “We’re on the ground, working for the farmers. These distractions won’t deter me,” he said.