“How Dare You?” Ajit Pawar’s Reported Remarks To Woman Police Officer Spark Row

A controversy erupted in Maharashtra after a video clip surfaced online allegedly showing Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar engaging in a tense conversation with a woman IPS officer during an operation against illegal soil excavation in Solapur district.

Mumbai: A controversy erupted in Maharashtra after a video clip surfaced online allegedly showing Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar engaging in a tense conversation with a woman IPS officer during an operation against illegal soil excavation in Solapur district.

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The viral footage, about two minutes long, captures Pawar purportedly speaking over the phone with Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Anjana Krishna on August 31. She had reached Kurdu village in Solapur to halt the unlawful digging of murrum soil, reportedly being extracted for road works.

 

According to the video, Pawar, speaking on the phone of a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) worker, can be heard asserting his authority. “I am the Deputy Chief Minister, I direct you to stop the activity,” he is heard telling the officer.

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However, Krishna, who hails from Kerala and was recently posted in Maharashtra, did not initially recognise his voice and requested that he call her directly.

"How dare you?"

At one point, Pawar appears to warn her of possible consequences, saying action would be taken against her. He even suggested she connect with him over a video call to confirm his identity, reportedly remarking, “Itna daring hai kya? (How dare you?)” The episode quickly triggered debate after being circulated widely on social media platforms.

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Meanwhile, NCP leader and Member of Parliament Sunil Tatkare defended Pawar, suggesting that his remarks were not intended to block lawful action. “Ajit Dada never encourages anything illegal. Perhaps he spoke sternly only to calm the agitated workers at the site.

The video was selectively leaked to create a controversy,” Tatkare said, maintaining that the Deputy Chief Minister’s words should not be interpreted as opposition to the crackdown. The incident has sparked sharp reactions from political circles and civil society, with many awaiting further clarity on whether the matter will escalate into an official inquiry.