NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Sunday hit out at the ruling NCP faction, alleging it cannot function without consulting the BJP. He posted a purported video showing Maharashtra agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate playing a mobile game inside the assembly. Pawar shared the video on X, writing, “The ruling NCP faction is unable to function without consulting the BJP, which is why even as there are several issues related to agriculture pending and eight farmers committing suicide daily in the state, the agriculture minister, who has no work, appears to have time to play rummy.” Repeated attempts to reach Minister Kokate or the NCP for a response went unanswered. Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a scathing attack on the Mahayuti government, calling it “deceitful” and “treacherous” towards farmers. “Farmers in the state are dying and the agriculture minister was playing a game on his mobile phone,” he said while speaking to reporters. “This deceitful and treacherous government is not concerned about farmers. I appeal to farmers to teach them a lesson,” Wadettiwar added. Asked about reports of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray meeting at a Mumbai hotel, Wadettiwar said the two were attending separate events. “Even if they met, all meetings need not be political,” he said.
