Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Stripped of Portfolios Following Conviction in Cheating Case

Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate has been stripped of his portfolios after a conviction in a 1995 cheating case. Governor Acharya Devvrat reassigned his responsibilities to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Manikrao Kokate, a Maharashtra minister, has been relieved of his duties following a conviction in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. The Governor, Acharya Devvrat, reassigned Kokate's portfolios to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate, an NCP MLA from Sinnar in Nashik, received a two-year jail sentence from a Nashik court for his involvement in the case related to a state housing scheme.

Governor Devvrat, in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stated, "I have received your letter dated December 17, 2025, recommending to allocate the portfolio of Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development and Aukaf held by Adv Manikrao Saraswati Shivaji Kokate to Shri Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Finance and Planning, State Excise. I hereby convey my approval to your abovementioned recommendation." As a result, Kokate is now without any ministerial responsibilities.

Conviction and Health Concerns

Following his conviction, Kokate was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra due to chest pain and uneasiness. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), according to police sources. This development comes after the Nashik district and sessions court upheld a previous ruling by a first-class judicial magistrate. The court confirmed Kokate's two-year imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for cheating and forgery.

The court also issued an arrest warrant against Kokate on Wednesday after rejecting his appeal against the earlier verdict. This legal setback has led to discussions within the government regarding his replacement. Chief Minister Fadnavis consulted with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar about who would take over Kokate's responsibilities.

Political Repercussions

Kokate's political journey has been tumultuous since the formation of the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government last December. Initially assigned the agriculture portfolio, he was later moved to the Sports and Youth Welfare Department after making controversial remarks. Party chief Ajit Pawar had previously warned him about his conduct.

During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature in Mumbai, Kokate faced criticism when a video surfaced showing him playing a game on his mobile phone during legislative proceedings. This incident drew ire from opposition members and added to his list of controversies.

With Kokate's conviction now confirmed, the focus shifts to how this will impact the political landscape in Maharashtra. The reassignment of his portfolios signifies a significant shift within the state's administration as it navigates this challenging situation.

With inputs from PTI