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Kokate, NCP MLA from Sinnar constituency in Nashik district, was convicted by a Nashik court in a fraud and forgery case related to the state government’s housing scheme and sentenced to two years in jail.
In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, December 17, Governor Devvrat said, “I have received your letter dated December 17, 2025, recommending allocation of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development and Auqaf held by Advocate Manikrao Saraswati Shivaji Kokate to Shri Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister (Finance and Planning, State Excise).” “I express my assent to your above mentioned recommendation,” the Governor said.
With this, Kokate is now a minister without any department.
Meanwhile, according to people familiar with the developments, Kokate has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness.
Police said he is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.
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After the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuthi government was formed in December last year, Kokate was initially given the agriculture portfolio. However, after several controversial comments and incidents related to them, after receiving a warning from party chief Ajit Pawar, he was given the Sports and Youth Welfare portfolio, which was considered comparatively less prominent, as senior leaders had said earlier.
During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Mumbai, a video of Kokate allegedly playing games on his mobile phone during the proceedings had gone viral, drawing criticism from opposition members.
On Tuesday, December 16, the Nashik District and Sessions Court upheld the order of the First Class Judicial Magistrate, confirming the sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 against Kokate for cheating and forgery. The court also issued an arrest warrant against him on Wednesday after rejecting his appeal against the previous verdict.
After Kokate’s conviction and sentence, CM Fadnavis discussed the matter with Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar and asked him to tell him who would replace his party colleague.