Amid ‘rummy' video row, minister calls govt 'beggar', Fadnavis says comments inappropriate

The fresh controversy comes just days after Kokate was caught on camera allegedly playing a rummy game on his phone during a legislative session.

- DG NETWORK

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate, already under fire for allegedly playing rummy on his phone inside the state legislature, found himself at the center of yet another controversy on Tuesday after he referred to the government as a "beggar" while addressing a public event.

Kokate made the comment while attempting to clarify his previous statement regarding farmers' demands. "The government is like a beggar. It does not have a treasure trove. It depends on revenue and taxes," Kokate said. While he intended to explain the state's financial constraints, the choice of words drew swift backlash from opposition leaders and even members within the ruling alliance.