Relief in Bombay HC could help Ajit Pawar's 'blue-eyed boy' Manikrao Kokate regain ministerial post

NASHIK: Five-term MLA Manikrao Kokate, convicted in a cheating case, is considered by many within NCP a favourite of party chief Ajit Pawar in north Maharashtra.

Though Ajit Pawar on Thursday said he has forwarded Kokate's resignation to CM Devendra Fadnavis, sources said "the blue-eyed boy" may regain his job if things work out in the high court, which will hear his relief plea on Friday.





Party sources said Kokate, originally from the Sinnar taluka of rural Nashik, saw a stellar rise since rejoining NCP in 2019 after forging a close bond with Ajit Pawar. Kokate began his political career with Congress in the 1990s and joined NCP when Sharad Pawar founded the party in 1999. "Even then, Kokate was closer to Ajitdada than party chief Sharad Pawar. He is now one of Ajitdada's most trusted lieutenants in NCP," claimed the insiders. Earlier this year, Kokate, who was accused of playing "rummy" on his phone in the legislative council, was removed from the post of agricultural minister. Even then, he landed on his feet, and was appointed the state's sports minister.

Between 1999 and 2005, Kokate was with Shiv Sena, but quit along with Narayan Rane to rejoin Congress. He joined BJP in 2014 and returned to NCP in 2019. His elevation to the top of the NCP ladder was cemented when he was selected over Chhagan Bhujbal for a ministerial berth after Mahayuti won the assembly polls in 2024. Another key factor in his favour is his "good rapport" with the Maratha quota activists.

When asked about the political patronage Kokate enjoys, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said, " The HC is expected to hold a hearing. We should wait."