Title: It’s Solitaire, not Rummy: Maha Minister Kokate as video shows him playing in Assembly
The recent viral video of Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing a game on his mobile phone during a state Assembly session has sparked a heated debate. The video shows Kokate engrossed in a game, seemingly neglecting his duties as a minister. However, Kokate has come out with a clarification, stating that the game he was playing was not Rummy, but Solitaire.
The video, which was shared widely on social media, appears to show Kokate playing a game on his phone during the Assembly session. The minister can be seen swiping through his phone, seemingly unaware of the proceedings in the House. The video has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the minister’s priorities and ability to multitask.
However, in a statement, Kokate clarified that the game he was playing was Solitaire, not Rummy. He attributed the game being downloaded on his phone to his personal assistant (PA) or officer on special duty (OSD). Kokate also claimed that he switched on his phone to watch the House proceedings, implying that he was not deliberately playing the game.
Kokate’s clarification has raised more questions than answers. If the game was indeed Solitaire, and not Rummy, why did he feel the need to clarify the issue? Moreover, if the game was downloaded by his PA or OSD, why did he not check the apps installed on his phone before using it in the Assembly?
The controversy surrounding Kokate’s actions has sparked a debate on the use of mobile phones in the Assembly. While some have questioned the minister’s priorities, others have argued that the use of mobile phones is a necessary evil in today’s digital age.
In recent years, there have been several instances of lawmakers using their mobile phones in the Assembly. In 2019, a video surfaced showing a MLA in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly playing video games on his phone during a session. Similarly, in 2018, a video of a MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly playing Solitaire on his phone went viral.
The use of mobile phones in the Assembly has been a contentious issue for several years. While some argue that it is essential to stay connected and informed, others believe that it is a distraction and a hindrance to the proceedings.
In recent times, several Assembly sessions have been disrupted due to the use of mobile phones. In 2020, a session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned after several MLAs were found using their mobile phones. Similarly, in 2019, a session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly was disrupted after several MLAs were seen playing video games on their phones.
The controversy surrounding Kokate’s actions has also sparked a debate on the need for stricter rules regarding the use of mobile phones in the Assembly. Several experts have argued that lawmakers should be prohibited from using their mobile phones during sessions, or at the very least, be required to put their phones on silent mode.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Kokate’s actions has highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to the use of mobile phones in the Assembly. While it is essential to stay connected and informed, it is equally important to ensure that the proceedings in the House are not disrupted.
As Kokate’s clarification has shown, the game he was playing was Solitaire, not Rummy. However, the controversy has sparked a debate on the use of mobile phones in the Assembly, and the need for stricter rules regarding their use.
