'It Is Not A Big Political Issue': Sanjay Nirupam On Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Playing Rummy In Assembly

Mumbai: A video purportedly showing Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing a mobile game during an ongoing Assembly session has gone viral, sparking criticism over decorum and accountability in the legislative house.

While the incident has drawn public ire, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam offered a tempered response. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Nirupam said, “It is expected from a people’s representative to focus on the important issues while in the House. I do n

ot support such an act, however, it is not such a big political issue.”

The video, shows Kokate tapping away on a game during the Assembly proceedings, an act viewed by many as disrespectful to the seriousness of state issues being debated in the House.

Opposition parties and citizens alike questioned the commitment of ministers who are expected to address urgent public matters, especially during critical debates on agriculture and rural distress.

Meanwhile, no official statement has been released by Kokate himself on the video. The incident comes at a time when the Maharashtra Assembly is dealing with pressing topics like farmer distress, crop damage compensation, and monsoon preparedness