India, July 28 -- Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is under pressure to take action against agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate as a video of him playing an online card game has put the Mahayuti in an embarrassing situation. The image of Kokate playing online rummy while sitting in the legislature while farmers are in distress is a good catchline for the Opposition to target the ruling alliance. The incident compelled Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ask both his deputies to take some action against ministers who are kicking up controversies, that too close to the local body polls.

Going by insiders in both the parties, sacking Kokate of the NCP or social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena is not an easy option for Ajit...