Mumbai
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Friday that simply changing a minister's portfolio will not help the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government save its public image. He demanded the removal of all "tainted" ministers from the Maharashtra cabinet.
Raut's statement followed the transfer of NCP Minister Manikrao Kokate from the agriculture department to sports and youth welfare. Kokate faced backlash after a video showed him playing an online rummy game during a session in the legislative council.
“This move is only a whitewash. The government cannot clean its image by just changing portfolios. All tainted ministers must go. This is only a temporary fix,” Raut told reporters.
He claimed that ministers from Mahayuti alliance parties have become a burden for Chief Minister Fadnavis, who is now under pressure to remove them. Raut also pointed out that former NCP minister Dhananjay Munde was previously defended by the coalition even after his aide was linked to a murder case in Beed.
“There is public anger against Kokate across Maharashtra. The CM is helpless in this coalition setup. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar tried to save Kokate, but the pressure is mounting,” Raut said.
The opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT), continues to demand the removal of other controversial ministers like Sanjay Rathod, Sanjay Shirsat, and Yogesh Kadam.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab said the decision to shift Kokate’s department is not acceptable and insisted that his complete removal from the cabinet is necessary to restore public trust.