Table of Contents
Introduction: When One Phone Call Shook Maharashtra
Every now and then, a single video clip captures the nation’s attention. This time, it was Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, whose phone call with a woman IPS officer went viral. The exchange, captured on camera, stirred up debates about political influence over law enforcement.
The clip showed Pawar allegedly asking the officer to halt her action against illegal excavation activities in Solapur. While some accused him of protecting lawbreakers, the NCP rushed to clarify the intent. The truth, as always, sits somewhere between politics, perception, and protocol.
In this article, we’ll unpack not just what happened, but also why it matters, exploring every angle—from governance and public trust to media sensationalism.
The Incident: What Actually Happened
A Routine Raid Turns Political
Officer Anjali Krishna, a Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Solapur, was leading a crackdown on illegal excavation of murrum soil (a resource used in construction).
Mid-action, she received a call through a party worker’s phone. The caller? Allegedly Ajit Pawar himself.
The Contentious Conversation
In the viral video, Pawar is heard telling the officer:
“Stop the action… inform the tehsildar it’s on my orders.”
When she asked for confirmation of his identity, he retorted: “Will you recognise my face if I video-call?”
This clip spread like wildfire across social media, triggering laughter, outrage, and admiration for the officer’s professional stance.
Ajit Pawar’s Political Position
Before diving deeper, let’s pause. Who is Ajit Pawar, and why does one phone call of his matter so much?
He is the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar.
Currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Seen as a strongman in Maharashtra politics, nicknamed “Ajit Dada.”
Holds significant sway within the NCP and in state governance.
This stature explains why his remarks—captured on video—became a national talking point within hours.
NCP’s Clarification: Damage Control or Truth?
Facing political backlash, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) quickly stepped in. State president Sunil Tatkare said:
Ajit Pawar wasn’t trying to shield criminals.
His instruction was to defer the action temporarily, not cancel it.
The request was allegedly linked to broader law-and-order management.
But critics weren’t satisfied. For many, the tone of the video spoke louder than the clarifications.
Opposition Reaction: Politics in Full Swing
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushama Andhare came out in support of the IPS officer, praising her firmness and the way she insisted on confirming the caller’s identity before acting.
Opposition leaders accused Pawar of misusing power to protect illegal excavation groups.
Social media users, too, jumped in, many praising the officer’s courage with comments like: “Salute to her for daring to confirm the caller.”
The debate snowballed into a referendum on political interference in policing.
Why Did the Video Go Viral?
The Human Element
A lone officer standing firm against political muscle—that narrative appeals across demographics.
The “Quote Factor”
Pawar’s sarcastic line—“Will you recognise my face if I video-call?”—was tailor-made for memes.
Timing
In an election-charged environment, any controversy tied to a Deputy CM becomes fuel for public chatter.
Media Amplification
Mainstream outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and TV channels amplified the clip, multiplying its reach.
The Larger Debate: Politics vs Policing
Law Should Lead, Not Follow
When politicians instruct police officers mid-operation, it blurs the separation of powers.
Courage of Bureaucrats
The IPS officer’s insistence on due verification shows the importance of protocol over personality.
Perception vs Reality
Even if Pawar only wanted a deferral, the optics of telling an officer to “stop” enforcement action are damaging.
Historical Parallels: Not the First Time
India has seen several similar moments:
- UP Mining Cases: Politicians allegedly shielding illegal sand mining operations.
- Tamil Nadu Liquor Raids: Officers pressured to go slow during election years.
- Maharashtra’s Own Past: Cases where local netas interfered with police action against encroachments.
Each case chips away at faith in the rule of law.
Public Sentiment: Trust in Officers
The viral clip inspired a wave of public admiration for the officer. She became a symbol of resistance against undue political interference.
For ordinary citizens, her professionalism sparked hope: “If one officer can stand firm, maybe the system can still work.”
Ajit Pawar’s Image: What’s at Stake?
Pawar has long balanced a reputation for efficiency with a streak of controversy.
Strengthened by power: Known for swift decisions and political weight.
Weakened by optics: Incidents like this create an impression of interference.
How this story evolves could impact his political standing ahead of elections.
Media’s Role: Informer or Amplifier?
Media outlets played a dual role:
Informer: Bringing details of the clip and party statements.
Amplifier: Looping the same sarcastic quote for TRPs, fuelling memes, and polarising reactions.
International Comparisons: Political Interference Elsewhere
- This is not uniquely Indian. In the UK and US too:
- UK Police vs Politicians: Questions raised over government influence in Scotland Yard investigations.
- US Sheriff Cases: Elected officials pressuring law enforcement in small counties.
The pattern is global: where politics meets policing, sparks fly.
What This Means for Governance
- Need for Stronger Protocols: Officers must be empowered to resist interference.
- Transparency: Clear records of such calls or instructions could protect both politicians and officers.
- Public Support: Social media scrutiny is forcing accountability like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What exactly did Ajit Pawar say in the viral video?
He allegedly told the officer to stop action against illegal excavation and sarcastically asked if she’d recognise him on a video call.
Q2. Did Ajit Pawar misuse power?
Critics allege he did. The NCP insists he only requested a temporary deferral, not protection of criminals.
Q3. Who was the officer on the call?
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjali Krishna from Solapur.
Q4. Why did the video go viral?
Because of Pawar’s sarcastic remark, the David-vs-Goliath angle, and media amplification.
Q5. What are the long-term implications?
It raises concerns about political interference, officer morale, and public trust in governance.