Political developments in Maharashtra gathered pace after Manikrao Kokate resigned from the state Cabinet following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by a Nashik court. The decision marked a turning point in the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader’s long-running legal battle and prompted swift action from the state government.
Soon after Kokate stepped down, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moved to ensure administrative continuity. On his recommendation, Governor Acharya Devvrat reassigned the Sports and Youth Affairs department to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The move effectively removed Kokate from the ministry, leaving the portfolio under the direct charge of one of the state’s senior-most leaders.
Sources in the government said Fadnavis also spoke with Ajit Pawar to assess the political situation and discuss the possibility of bringing a new face into the Cabinet. The discussions have triggered speculation of a limited Cabinet reshuffle, as the ruling alliance looks to stabilise the government amid growing public attention.
The resignation follows Kokate’s conviction in a case that dates back to 1995. A court in Nashik found him guilty in a cheating and forgery matter linked to the alleged irregular allotment of flats under a state housing scheme. He was sentenced to two years in prison, a verdict that was upheld by a sessions court, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kokate approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the order that confirmed his conviction and sentence. While the appeal process is underway, legal observers say the arrest warrant significantly raised the stakes, making his continuation in the Cabinet politically untenable.
Within the NCP, the response has been cautious. Party leaders have avoided detailed public comments, stating that the matter is being examined from both legal and organisational perspectives. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said consultations would be held with party leadership, underlining that decisions would be guided by constitutional and legal principles.
