Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has found himself at the centre of a political firestorm following the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing him reprimanding a woman IPS officer over a crackdown on illegal soil excavation in Solapur.
In a swift response to the uproar, Pawar issued a public clarification, denying any intent to interfere with law enforcement and reaffirming his commitment to transparent governance and strict action against illegal activities.
Taking to social media platform X, Pawar addressed the controversy surrounding his interaction with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anjana Krishna, who was leading an operation against illegal murrum (soil) excavation in Kurdu village, Madha taluka, on August 31. “My attention has been drawn to certain videos regarding my interaction with police officials in Solapur. Let me state clearly that my intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but to ensure the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further,” Pawar wrote. He expressed profound respect for the police force, particularly its women officers, and underscored that “the rule of law is paramount” to him.
The Spark Of Controversy
The incident, which unfolded in Kurdu village, has stirred heated debate across Maharashtra. According to reports, DSP Anjana Krishna, stationed in Karmala, was overseeing a raid on illegal murrum excavation — a material widely used in road construction — when tensions flared. Villagers, already frustrated over poor road conditions, clashed with officials, alleging high-handedness. The situation escalated when a local NCP worker, Baba Jagtap, reportedly dialled Pawar and handed the phone to Krishna.
In the viral two-minute video, Pawar is heard instructing Krishna to halt the operation, saying, “Suno, mai deputy chief minister bol raha hu aur aapko aadesh deta hu ki vo rokwao (Listen, I am the deputy chief minister and I order you to stop this).” When Krishna, unable to recognise his voice, requested he call her official number, Pawar reportedly grew agitated, stating, “Itna aapko daring hua hai kya (How dare you)?” and threatening action. He then made a video call to confirm his identity, further intensifying the exchange.
Villagers have also alleged that Krishna’s bodyguard brandished a firearm, while a revenue department official wielded a hockey stick, contributing to the charged atmosphere. The confrontation culminated in an FIR being lodged against Jagtap and others under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for obstructing public servants and violating environmental laws.
Political Backlash And NCP’s Defence
The video sparked widespread outrage, with Opposition leaders accusing Pawar of attempting to shield illegal activities. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut went as far as to claim that Pawar, as Maharashtra’s finance minister, was “protecting thieves” and had “no moral right” to remain in government. Social activist Anjali Damania also criticised Pawar, arguing that the DSP’s insistence on verifying his identity was justified.
In response, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by state president Sunil Tatkare, rallied to Pawar’s defence, alleging the video was “deliberately leaked” to tarnish his image. Tatkare clarified that Pawar’s intention was not to halt the police action but to defuse a volatile situation. “Ajit Dada is known for his straight talk. He may have chided the officer to placate party workers, but he never supports illegal activities,” Tatkare said, adding that Pawar likely meant to pause the action briefly to restore calm.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also weighed in, describing Pawar as a “strong leader and good administrator” who may have acted impulsively without knowing Krishna was an officer. “He has admitted his mistake, so this should not be a matter of dispute,” Athawale told ANI.
A Broader Commitment To Justice
Pawar’s clarification sought to quell the controversy, with the Deputy CM reiterating his commitment to combating illegal activities, including sand and soil mining. “I remain firmly committed to transparent governance and ensuring that every illegal activity is dealt with strictly as per the law,” he stated. The ECI has registered a case against those obstructing Krishna’s team, signalling that legal proceedings will continue unabated.
As the dust settles, the incident has raised critical questions about political interference in law enforcement and the delicate balance between public representatives and administrative officials.