Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate on Tuesday said he plans to take legal action against opposition leaders who, he claims, defamed him by circulating a video alleging he was playing ‘rummy’ on his mobile phone during a legislative session.

Addressing the media, NCP leader Kokate denied the allegations and asserted that he doesn't even know how to play online rummy. He added that he will write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Legislative Council Chairperson Ram Shinde to seek a formal probe into the viral video, according to news agency PTI. 

The controversy began on Sunday when NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), showing Kokate seated in the legislative council. A day later, MLA Jitendra Awhad also shared two videos, claiming Kokate was playing 'Junglee Rummy' during the ongoing monsoon session.