In a significant political development, Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikarao Kokate has been relieved of his ministerial responsibilities. This action follows a Nashik sessions court convicting him and sentencing him to two years in prison for tampering with documents to acquire a government flat.
The Court Verdict and Immediate Fallout
The Nashik sessions court delivered its verdict on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, finding Kokate guilty in a case dating back to 1995. The case pertained to the illegal acquisition of flats under the Chief Minister’s discretionary quota. The court awarded him a two-year imprisonment term for document forgery.
Reacting swiftly, the NCP leadership, late on Wednesday, December 18, stripped Kokate of his portfolios of Sports and Minority Affairs. A senior NCP leader confirmed the move, stating, "As of now he continues to be the minister without a portfolio. The decision about his resignation will be taken soon." The portfolios have been temporarily assigned to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Kokate's Response and Health Concerns
Throughout Wednesday, Kokate was unavailable for comment as he was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital due to ill health. Concurrently, senior NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar and state party chief Sunil Tatkare, held meetings to decide the future course of action regarding his ministership.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kokate had approached the Bombay High Court challenging the sessions court verdict. His criminal revision application was mentioned before a single-judge bench of Justice Rajesh N Laddha in the post-lunch session.
A History of Controversy and Precedent
This is not the first time Kokate has faced disciplinary action. In August 2024, he was removed from the Agriculture portfolio after being allegedly photographed playing cards on his mobile phone. He was later reinstated as the Sports and Minority Affairs minister.
The incident also brings back memories of another NCP minister's resignation earlier this year. Dhananjay Munde had to step down after his aide, Walmik Karad, was allegedly linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district.
The political circles in Maharashtra are now keenly watching the next steps, including whether Kokate will resign from the council of ministers entirely or continue as a minister without portfolio pending his appeal in the High Court.
