‘My intention was not to…’: Ajit Pawar responds to controversy over remarks to IPS officer

Ajit Pawar issues clarification after a viral video sparks outrage on social media and ignites a major political row.

Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has sought to clarify his stand following the circulation of a viral video in which he was allegedly heard reprimanding a woman IPS officer during a phone call. Pawar explained that he never intended to obstruct police functioning but only wished to “ensure that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further.”

The statement from the deputy chief minister came after the video triggered massive debate across social media platforms and led to a political storm. Addressing the controversy in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pawar said, “My attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating regarding my interaction with police officials in Solapur.”

Reiterating his respect for the police department, Pawar stressed that he holds the “highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction and courage.” He further noted, “I value the rule of law above all.” The deputy CM also assured that his government is committed to transparent governance and declared, “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 controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing sub-divisional police officer Anjali Krishna from Solapur allegedly being asked by Ajit Pawar to halt an ongoing operation. Reports suggest that Krishna was cracking down on individuals involved in illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil when the deputy CM called her. In the clip, Pawar is purportedly heard instructing her: “You stop the action and go back to your office. Tell the tehsildar that the action has been stopped on the orders of the deputy CM.”

When the officer apparently attempted to verify the caller’s identity, Pawar, in a sarcastic tone, remarked, “Main aapko video call karta hoon… tabhi aap mera chehra pahchan paoge (Will you be able to recognise my face if I make a video call?).”

Even before Pawar issued his clarification, the Nationalist Congress Party had already released a statement defending him. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare argued that the video clip was deliberately leaked and insisted that Pawar “is known for straight talk.” He emphasized that the deputy CM’s instructions had been misinterpreted, asserting, “He asked the woman IPS officer to defer the action as there were issues relating to law and order in the state. These things keep happening while dealing with the bureaucracy and there was nothing wrong with what he said or did.”