Under growing pressure from the opposition and rising public anger, the Maharashtra government carried out a late-night reshuffle of ministerial portfolios in a bid to control the political damage surrounding NCP minister Manikrao Kokate. The General Administration Department (GAD), in a notification released late Thursday night, announced that Kokate’s Agriculture Ministry has been handed over to Dutta Bharne, who currently holds the Sports and Youth Development portfolio.
The circular, issued and signed by Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary (GAD), indicates that Kokate will continue in the cabinet but with a trimmed portfolio. Bharne, a trusted ally of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, is expected to take charge immediately. This strategic move is being seen as a face-saving tactic by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which has so far resisted demands for Kokate’s resignation.
Opposition parties had mounted a relentless attack after Kokate made controversial remarks about the farming community during a recent public appearance.
