The Maharashtra legislature secretariat has launched an internal investigation into a viral video that allegedly shows Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing ‘rummy’ on his mobile phone during a session of the legislative council, sources said on Thursday.

According to them, the video, shared by NCP (SP) leaders Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad on social media, was recorded around 1.40 pm on July 10 while proceedings of the Upper House were ongoing, news agency PTI reported. 

The footage shows Kokate seated alongside PWD Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale and BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot, both from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. However, none of them, nor others nearby on the treasury benches, appear to be using their phones in any noticeable way, the sources noted.