New Delhi, July 22 -- Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate, who was 'caught playing rummy' on his phone inside the Assembly, has added fuel to the fire as he termed the government a "beggar" while trying to clarify an earlier "beggar" comment on farmers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to the controversy, saying it was "inappropriate" for ministers to speak in such a manner, while asserting Maharashtra's economy was in good shape despite challenges.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate had allegedly compared farmers to beggars, inviting severe criticism. "Even a beggar does not take Re 1 in alms, but here we are giving crop insurance for Re 1. Even then, some people try to misuse it," ...