Maharashtra Opposition Presses for Minister Kokate's Disqualification After Fraud Conviction

Speaker Rahul Narwekar cites procedural requirements, delaying action despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was sentenced to two years in prison by a Nashik court for misappropriating government housing using forged documents.
The opposition, led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), is demanding Kokate's immediate disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, which mandates disqualification for sentences of two years or more.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, a BJP member, stated that he will act only after receiving a certified copy of the court order, as required by legislative rules.
Opposition leaders criticized the delay, citing the swift disqualification of Congress MLA Sunil Kedar in 2023 for a similar conviction, and accused the Speaker of bias.
Narwekar defended his stance, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures and promising a decision within seven days of receiving the court order.