Mumbai: A viral video claiming that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar allegedly pressured a woman IPS officer to halt action against illegal soil excavation in Solapur has sparked political chatter. Responding to the controversy, BJP leader and state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule came to Pawar’s defence, dismissing the allegations.
Bawankule said such confusion often arises during telephonic conversations between politicians and officials. “When you place a phone call like that, the one on the other side does not know of the matter. It has happened with me too sometimes. When you do not know the situation at hand, officer tells you that it is illegal but the other party says that it is legal. Such issues rise out of this controversy,” he explained.
Backing Pawar, he further added, “I think Ajit Pawar can never scold any officer over something illegal and wrong.”
The video has been widely circulated on social media, fuelling opposition attacks. However, Bawankule’s remarks signal a strong defence of the Deputy CM from within the ruling coalition.
The Solapur soil excavation issue has been under the scanner for months, with allegations of large-scale violations of environmental and revenue rules.
