In a major clarification following a viral video, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday addressed public concerns about his alleged phone conversation with a woman IPS officer during an anti-encroachment operation in Solapur.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pawar stated, "My attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating 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 that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further."
He further added, "I have the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction and courage, and I value the rule of law above all. I remain firmly committed to transparent governance and to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly as per the law."
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed Pawar allegedly speaking to Anjana Krishna, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Karmala, from the phone of an NCP worker. The officer reportedly did not recognize his voice at first. Pawar then video-called the officer and allegedly instructed her to halt the ongoing action against illegal excavation of murrum, a material widely used in road construction.
Reacting to the controversy, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare defended Pawar, claiming the video had been intentionally leaked. “Ajit Dada may have chided the IPS officer to placate party workers. He didn't mean to stop the action completely,” Tatkare said. “He is known for his straight talk and never supports any illegal activity. He perhaps meant to stop the action briefly just to defuse the situation.”
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Pawar of shielding illegal activities. Speaking to the media, Raut said, “The Deputy CM is asking an IPS officer to back illegal activities but preaches about following the law to others. He is so disciplined, right? Where is your discipline? He is scolding her to provide protection to the thieves of his party.”
Raut also emphasized the financial implications, stating, “Illegal excavation of 'murrum' means causing loss to the exchequer. As this has come out in public, Ajit Pawar has no right to be in the government. Earlier, many leaders had to resign on moral grounds because of such instances. Ministers should be ashamed.”
