Overview

• Manikrao Kokate said he will write to the Assembly Speaker, Council Chairman, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to launch a formal probe into the video of him using his phone during proceedings.
• He vowed to step down during the Nagpur winter session if the inquiry determines he played an online card game in the legislature.
• NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare signalled that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will decide on any disciplinary action against Kokate.
• Members of coalition partners, including the BJP and Shiv Sena, have criticised Kokate’s conduct but stopped short of demanding his removal.
• The controversy has underscored heightened expectations for ministerial decorum and the growing role of viral social media footage in driving political accountability.