Maharashtra Minister's Political Downfall: Kokate Convicted in 1995 Case

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was stripped of his portfolios after being convicted in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. Kokate, an NCP MLA, received a two-year sentence, leading to a reassignment of his ministries to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Currently, Kokate is hospitalized due to health issues.

Maharashtra's political landscape witnessed a shakeup as Minister Manikrao Kokate lost his portfolios following a conviction in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. With Governor Acharya Devvrat's approval, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar takes over Kokate's ministerial responsibilities.

Convicted and sentenced to a two-year imprisonment by a Nashik court, Kokate, an NCP MLA from Nashik's Sinnar constituency, was linked to irregularities in a state housing scheme. Subsequently, Kokate was hospitalized due to chest pain, as confirmed by local police.

Governor Devvrat reassigned Kokate's Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development, and Aukaf portfolios to Deputy CM Pawar following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recommendation. Kokate's downfall marks a significant shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics, underscored by a past judicial oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)