Call for Justice: Gaikwad Demands Dismissal of Convicted Minister

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has called for the immediate dismissal of Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate. Kokate's conviction in a 1995 forgery case was upheld by a Nashik court, yet he remains in office. Gaikwad criticized the government for allegedly shielding Kokate and applying different standards to opposition leaders.

In a significant political development, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has demanded the immediate dismissal of Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate. Kokate remains in office despite a Nashik court upholding his conviction in a 1995 forgery case, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress leader.

Gaikwad accused the Mahayuti government of protecting Kokate, who received a two-year sentence in a conviction related to forging documents for obtaining a government-allotted flat. The NCP minister's persistence in maintaining his position is seen as a representation of the 'arrogance of power,' according to Gaikwad.

The Congress president strongly criticized the government for allegedly applying double standards, contrasting the swift actions against opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi and Sunil Kedar with the leniency shown to Kokate. She urged the government to enforce the rule of law impartially and oust Kokate from the cabinet for the integrity of governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)