Ajit Pawar and NCP Move to Expel Manikrao Kokate From Mahayuti Cabinet Amid Corruption Controversy
Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar and the NCP are pushing to remove Manikrao Kokate from the Mahayuti cabinet over corruption allegations, deepening political turmoil in Maharashtra
Mumbai, December 17, 2025 – A political storm is brewing in Maharashtra as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party move to expel Manikrao Kokate from the Mahayuti cabinet. The decision comes amid mounting allegations of corruption and controversy surrounding Kokate, raising questions about political accountability and coalition unity.
Manikrao Kokate, who has served as a minister in the state government, has faced repeated accusations related to alleged misuse of power, irregular approvals and financial discrepancies in public projects. Critics say his involvement in a high-profile housing scheme controversy has eroded trust and placed the ruling alliance’s credibility at risk. The NCP leadership, led by Ajit Pawar, has concluded that continuing to back Kokate could damage broader governance priorities at a time of mounting public scrutiny.
The push for Kokate’s removal marks a rare public split within the Mahayuti camp, a coalition formed to govern Maharashtra. Pawar and his party allies have expressed frustration that the controversy surrounding Kokate is distracting attention from policy work and development initiatives. In televised remarks and statements to supporters, leaders have said that decisive action is needed to uphold ethics and responsibility in public office.
Opposition parties quickly seized on the developments, accusing the government of internal instability and weak leadership. They say Kokate’s case reflects deeper systemic issues in how political parties manage allegations against sitting leaders. Opposition figures have demanded a full, independent investigation into all corruption claims and have called for transparency in how the cabinet handles disciplinary action.
Manikrao Kokate has responded to the allegations by denying wrongdoing and saying that political opponents are using the controversy to tarnish his reputation. Supporters claim that he has been unfairly targeted and that procedural fairness must be respected before any punitive action is finalised. Kokate’s defence team has hinted at legal challenges if formal expulsion proceedings move forward.
Political analysts note that Kokate’s potential removal from the cabinet represents a significant moment in Maharashtra politics. It underscores the tension between maintaining coalition cohesion and addressing public demands for accountability. At a time when civic issues and local elections are on the horizon, the leadership is eager to present a united front, but internal disagreements risk overshadowing broader agendas.
The controversy first gained traction when allegations emerged about irregularities in a housing project linked to Kokate and associated approvals. Public interest groups and media scrutiny intensified attention on the matter, and subsequent inquiries by enforcement agencies have added pressure on the government to act.
Ajit Pawar’s stance reflects a broader attempt by the NCP to distance itself from corruption controversies and reinforce its commitment to clean governance. Officials close to the party say that detaching from the Kokate issue will allow the alliance to focus on development priorities and strengthen public confidence ahead of future polls.
Supporters of Kokate argue that any removal decision must follow due process and be based on conclusive evidence rather than political expediency. They have called for exhaustive hearings and have reminded critics that allegations alone should not determine political survival.
The unfolding situation has widened fault lines in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with coalition partners, opposition parties and civil society all weighing in. As the debate intensifies, the next steps will likely include formal motions within the legislative assembly, discussions among party committees and potential legal battles over cabinet positions.
For now, the push to expel Manikrao Kokate marks a pivotal episode in the politics of Maharashtra, raising questions about governance priorities, intra-party discipline and how political alliances navigate ethical controversies in times of public expectation and electoral pressure.
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