Minister Kokate Faces Cabinet Exit After Court Upholds Scam Conviction

• State Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate faces removal from the cabinet and loss of his MLA position after the Nashik District Court upheld his two-year prison sentence in an apartment scam case.
• The court also issued directives for Kokate's arrest, compounding his legal troubles.
• Deputy CM Ajit Pawar met CM Devendra Fadnavis, where Fadnavis hinted at Kokate's removal and placed the decision for his resignation on Ajit Pawar.
• CM Fadnavis also asked Ajit Pawar to suggest a replacement for Kokate's ministerial portfolio, indicating an imminent vacancy.
• Kokate's only hope to retain his post is a High Court stay on the conviction, otherwise, his ministerial position is likely to be vacated.

Why It Matters: Manikrao Kokate's political career hangs by a thread after court upholds scam conviction; cabinet exit imminent.