Solapur, Maharashtra, September 5, 2025 – A heated exchange between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and IPS officer Anjana Krishna has sparked widespread controversy after a video of their confrontation went viral on social media. The incident, which occurred on August 31 in Kurdu village, Solapur, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and public support for the young officer’s commitment to upholding the law.
The Incident
The confrontation took place during a police operation led by Anjana Krishna, a 2022-batch IPS officer serving as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Karmala, Solapur. Krishna was responding to complaints about illegal murrum (sand) excavation, a material used in road construction, in Kurdu village. Tensions escalated when villagers clashed with officials at the site, prompting intervention by local Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers.
In the viral video, an NCP worker, Baba Jagtap, is seen handing his phone to Krishna after dialing Ajit Pawar, the NCP president and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. Pawar, identifying himself as the Deputy CM, ordered Krishna to halt the crackdown, citing the tense atmosphere due to the ongoing Maratha agitation. Krishna, unable to verify the caller’s identity, responded, “I can understand what you are saying, but I am unable to figure out if I am talking to the Deputy Chief Minister. Can you please call me on my number directly?”
Her request reportedly angered Pawar, who retorted, “Ek min, main tere upar action lunga (I will take action against you). Tujhe mujhe dekhna hai na? (You want to see me, right?)” He then made a video call to Krishna, instructing her to stop the operation and coordinate with the local tehsildar. Despite the pressure, Krishna continued the operation, as villagers failed to produce valid documentation for the excavation.
Public and Political Reactions
The video has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Supriya Sule, condemned Pawar’s actions. Raut accused Pawar of protecting “goons” involved in illegal mining, stating, “Illegal excavation of murrum means defrauding the state’s treasury, and you are the finance minister. Yet you did it.” Sule called the incident an “assault on constitutional values and gender equality,” urging action to protect civil servants from political intimidation.
Social activist Vijay Kumbhar praised Krishna’s adherence to the law, questioning, “Is this why politicians want their ‘favorite’ officers in key positions?” Activist Anjali Damania demanded an apology from Pawar, emphasizing the officer’s duty to uphold the law.
In contrast, NCP leaders defended Pawar. State party chief Sunil Tatkare claimed the video was “deliberately leaked” and that Pawar’s remarks were meant to pacify party workers, not halt the operation entirely. “Ajit Dada is known for his straightforward nature and never supports illegal activities,” Tatkare said. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed this, asserting that Pawar spoke in his “normal tone” to address local grievances. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also supported Pawar, noting that he later admitted his mistake.
Ajit Pawar’s Clarification
Facing mounting criticism, Pawar issued a statement on X on September 5, clarifying his intentions. “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,” he wrote. He emphasized his respect for the police force, particularly women officers, and reaffirmed his commitment to transparent governance and strict action against illegal activities like sand mining.
Who is Anjana Krishna?
Anjana Krishna, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has emerged as a symbol of bureaucratic integrity. Born to a modest family—her father runs a small textile business, and her mother works as a court typist—Krishna excelled academically, securing an All India Rank of 355 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. A graduate in Mathematics from HHMSPB NSS College for Women, Neeramankara, she is known for her honesty and sharp administrative skills. Her stand against political pressure has earned her widespread public admiration.
Controversy Over Document Probe
Adding fuel to the controversy, NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, from Pawar’s faction, wrote to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 5, requesting verification of Krishna’s educational qualifications and caste certificate. Mitkari’s letter, which raised doubts about the authenticity of her documents, has been criticized as an attempt to discredit the officer. Opposition leaders have called it a retaliatory move, further escalating the political row.
Ongoing Investigation
The authorities involved, including Krishna, the tehsildar, and the sub-divisional officer, have refrained from public comment, stating that the matter is under investigation. Villagers claimed the excavation had Gram Panchayat approval, but no valid documentation was provided, according to reports.
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the challenges civil servants face when navigating political pressures. Krishna’s resolve has been hailed as a testament to the integrity of India’s young officers, highlighting the need to protect public servants from intimidation to uphold the rule of law.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about accountability, governance, and the balance between political influence and bureaucratic independence in Maharashtra.
