Ajit Pawar Controversy: Viral Video Sparks Debate Over IPS Officer Clash

Mumbai: A video showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a heated exchange with a female IPS officer has gone viral, stirring controversy in Solapur district. The incident occurred two days ago in Kurdu village, Karmala taluka, where Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjana Krishna was addressing complaints of illegal murrum excavation, a material used in road construction.

In the widely shared clip, an NCP worker, Baba Jagtap, is seen dialing Pawar and handing the phone to Krishna after villagers clashed with officials at the site. Pawar, identifying himself as the deputy chief minister, reportedly instructed Krishna to stop the police action. Unfamiliar with his voice, Krishna asked him to call her directly, prompting Pawar to initiate a video call. During the call, he sternly questioned whether she recognized his face and reiterated his directive to halt the operation.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has defended Pawar, with state chief Sunil Tatkare telling India Today that the deputy chief minister’s remarks were meant to calm party workers, not to obstruct the crackdown entirely. Tatkare emphasized that Pawar does not support illegal activities. NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe echoed this, claiming the video was misrepresented and that Pawar was only addressing workers’ grievances in a democratic manner.

Krishna, along with the tehsildar and sub-divisional officer involved, has declined to comment publicly, stating the matter is under investigation. The viral video has sparked debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of Pawar’s intervention. No official complaint has been filed, and authorities continue to probe the incident. The controversy highlights tensions between administrative duties and political influence in Maharashtra, drawing significant attention on social media platforms.