Amid ‘rummy’ video row, minister calls govt ‘beggar’

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate, who has been accused of playing rummy on his phone in the legislature, Tuesday waded into another controversy as he termed the government a "beggar" while trying to clarify an earlier comment on farmers.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said it was inappropriate for ministers to speak in such a manner and asserted Maharashtra's economy was in good shape despite challenges.

Earlier this year, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Kokate, who handles the agriculture ministry, allegedly compared farmers to beggars, inviting severe criticism.

"Even a beggar does not take Re 1 in alms, but here we are giving crop insurance for Re 1. Even then, some people try to misuse it," he had said.