Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday raised doubts over Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s social media statement on respecting women officers, pointing to a contradiction between his words and his party’s actions.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Pawar allegedly threatening IPS officer Anjana Krishna in Solapur during her crackdown on illegal soil excavation. In response, Pawar posted on X that he holds “the highest respect for police and women officers” and values the rule of law.
Chaturvedi, however, questioned the credibility of this claim, citing the conduct of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) MLC Amol Mitkari, who has written to the UPSC seeking verification of the woman officer’s educational and caste documents.
“Who drafted Ajit Pawar ji’s X post, is he even aware what his handle has posted and what his MLC is doing?” Chaturvedi wrote on X.
Earlier, Pawar denied allegations of interference in police work, saying his intention in Solapur was only to prevent escalation. He reiterated his “firm commitment to transparent governance” and assured strict action against illegal sand mining.
The incident traces back to August 21 in Kurdu village, where IPS officer Anjana Krishna faced resistance from villagers while investigating illegal excavation. During the standoff, NCP workers intervened, and one connected her to Pawar over the phone. In the viral clip, Pawar is heard telling the officer, “Itna aapko daring hua hai kya? (Are you that daring?)”
The episode has since triggered a political storm, with critics accusing Pawar of undermining law enforcement despite his public assurances of support for the police.
