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Ajit Pawar got into a heated exchange with the officer who was taking action against illegal excavation
The incident took place in Kurdu village of Madha taluka in Solapur district. File image
A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after a video of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar admonishing Solapur (Rural) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Anjana Krishna went viral. What began as a sharp exchange on the ground has now escalated into a larger controversy, drawing in politicians and activists.
The latest twist came when Amol Mitkari, MLC from the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), sent a letter to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). In his letter, Mitkari sought verification of Krishna’s educational qualifications, caste certificate, and other documents. Critics argue that such a move amounts to harassment of a woman officer performing her duty.
Social activist Anjali Damania voiced strong opposition, standing firmly behind Krishna. “Is this what we call ‘uncle’s raj’? What kind of nonsense is this?” she asked, directly questioning whether Mitkari acted independently or at the behest of his political boss. Damania alleged that the real reason behind the demand was Krishna’s crackdown on illegal sand mining and other unlawful activities. Warning that activists would not stay silent, Damania said she was ready to take the matter to court if attempts to intimidate the officer continued. “These politicians are not even worthy of polishing an IPS officer’s shoes. Sadly, power today rests in their hands,” she said in a scathing remark.
The controversy has also triggered reactions from the opposition. Congress leader Yashomati Thakur condemned Mitkari’s move, calling it “deeply shameful” for a party that claims to follow the ideals of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. “Why suddenly question Krishna’s caste and documents now? What prompted this timing?” Thakur asked on social media, accusing the NCP leader of targeting the officer unfairly.
The incident has once again highlighted the uneasy relationship between political power and bureaucracy in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar himself reacted on microblogging site X, saying, “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. 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.”
As the row intensifies, the spotlight remains firmly on deputy SP Anjana Krishna—whose integrity and actions are now being defended by civil society even as she finds herself in the crossfire of political rivalries.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
September 06, 2025, 04:41 IST
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