Farmer sends seed earnings to Kokate with unusual request to play rummy & help his family financially
On July 20, a video of agriculture minister Kokate went viral on social media, purportedly showing him playing rummy when the house was in session. Kokate, however, refuted the allegation.
Farmer Yogesh Khule, who sent the money to Kokate, said he owned 10 acres in Devgaon village and waterlogging due to poor drainage prevented farmers in the area from sowing seeds, threatening the kharif crop. "If I am going to lose the kharif crop, the thought occurred to me to invest the money from where I'll get returns.
I therefore sold off the seeds bought from the market and sent Rs 5,500, which I received, to the agriculture minister, requesting him to play a game of rummy online and help my family's living for this season," he said.
Kokate's PA was reached for the minister's comment on the issue, who claimed that the minister was busy. His response was awaited till going to press.
Having completed his Std XII seven years ago, Khule took up farming to support his family.
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His younger brother is pursuing a Master's in computer application and his younger sister has completed her second-year in commerce.
Khule clarified, "I have no grudge against the minister and have not verified the video about his playing rummy. I don't want to be personal. This is the issue of the farmers, and I just thought of acting on it, so I acted."
When asked if he borrowed the idea or got support from anyone, Khule said, "I do not belong to any group other than that of the farmers. I have no sponsors or mentors, and my sole aim is to support my family and the farming community and do whatever I can. This was the idea which I could do, and hence did it...I hope govt takes the act seriously and does not consider my act as a mockery."
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