Maharashtra Agriculture Minister’s ‘Government Is Beggar’ Remark Draws Sharp Criticism
The government’s commitment to supporting farmers through reforms like improved crop insurance and increased investments in agriculture: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis
MUMBAI: Maharashtra agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate has stirred a political storm by likening the state government to a “beggar” while discussing the Rs 1 crop insurance scheme, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Stating it was inappropriate for a minister to speak in such a manner, Mr Fadnavis said Maharashtra’s economy is in good shape despite challenges. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through reforms like improved crop insurance and increased investments in agriculture.
In February this year, Mr Kokate drew sharp criticism for a remark in which he appeared to compare farmers to beggars. Referring to the crop insurance scheme, he had said, “Even a beggar does not accept Rs 1 in alms, but here we are providing crop insurance for Re 1. Yet some people try to misuse it.” The comment was widely condemned by opposition leaders, who accused Mr. Kokate of insulting the dignity of farmers.
This time, the minister sought to clarify his earlier remarks by shifting the analogy toward the government itself. He said, “The government doesn’t give Rs 1 to farmers; it takes Rs 1 from them. So, the government is the beggar.”
Mr. Fadnavis distanced himself from the remark, saying, “If the minister has made such a statement, it is not appropriate. We have already taken corrective measures in the crop insurance scheme, ensuring that farmers — not insurance companies — benefit from it.”
The chief minister further stated that the state government plans to invest Rs 25,000 crore in agriculture over the next five years.
NCP (SP)) national working president Supriya Sule called the minister’s statements a “disrespect to Maharashtra” and urged the chief minister to immediately remove him from the cabinet. She also met Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to formally demand Mr. Kokate’s resignation over his “insensitive behaviour”. Mr Kokate, however, dismissed the demand for his resignation, stating, “What is the reason for asking me to resign? Have I molested someone or made any anti-farmer decision?”
Mr. Koate also said he will file a defamation case following the circulation of a video allegedly showing him playing an alleged rummy game on his phone during a session of the state legislature. NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, grandnephew of party founder Sharad Pawar, had posted the video on social media platform X, triggering outrage from opposition leaders.
“I don’t know how to play online rummy. To play such a game, you need an OTP and a linked bank account. Anyone can check that my phone isn’t linked to any gaming app. A game notification just popped up on my screen for 10 to 15 seconds, and I was trying to skip it,” the minister said.
