The controversy surrounding Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, who was allegedly caught playing rummy on his phone during a legislative session, took a new turn on Friday as the Maharashtra Legislature Secretariat submitted its internal inquiry report to Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde.
The report, compiled after reviewing available footage and questioning security protocols, has reportedly found that no official Council cameras captured any member recording the viral clip. Instead, the video — which quickly gained traction on social media — is believed to have been recorded using a high-definition mobile phone from the visitors' gallery, suggesting a possible security lapse.
Media reports say the recording was likely done by an outsider, not a member of the House. The phone used for filming appears to have been positioned from the first-floor public gallery, which overlooks the Council chambers.
The video, shared on July 10 by NCP(SP) leaders Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad, appears to show Minister Kokate casually swiping cards in a rummy-style mobile game during a live session around 1:40 pm. Kokate was seated alongside PWD Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale and BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot, both of whom were visible in the footage. Notably, none of them were seen filming, further backing the theory that the video did not originate from within the ruling benches.
While Kokate had previously stated he would write to the Council Chairman requesting an inquiry, no formal letter has been submitted so far, raising eyebrows about the minister’s intent to clear the air.
On the political front, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responded cautiously, saying the matter would be discussed next week in a meeting involving the minister and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “We will take an appropriate decision after discussions. But ministers must be careful with their public behaviour and uphold the dignity of the House,” Pawar told reporters.
The episode has once again brought digital ethics and accountability of elected representatives under the spotlight. Opposition members are demanding strict action, not just against the minister, but also over the security breach that allowed someone in the gallery to record video inside the Council hall — a violation of protocol.
