Ajit Pawar Clarifies Stance on Viral IPS Officer Argument: 'No Intention to Interfere'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has stepped forward to clear the air regarding a viral video that has sparked considerable debate across social media and news platforms. The video, widely circulated, depicts a heated exchange between Pawar and a woman IPS officer, identified as Smita Patil, during a high-profile event.

Addressing the controversy head-on, Pawar firmly stated that his actions were misconstrued, asserting that his sole intention was not to interfere with the officer's duties but rather to ensure the smooth passage of a VIP convoy.

The incident unfolded during the grand inauguration of the Pune Metro in Pimpri-Chinchwad, an event attended by numerous dignitaries, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

As VIPs arrived and departed, managing traffic flow became a critical task. According to Pawar's explanation, the situation arose when the Chief Minister's convoy was reportedly stuck, prompting his intervention. He clarified that he merely requested the officer to facilitate traffic, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for the movement of the Chief Minister.

'My intention was not to interfere with her work,' Pawar reiterated to reporters, aiming to dispel any notions of overreach or disregard for official protocols.

'The Chief Minister’s convoy was there, and I simply asked her to clear the traffic. There was nothing else to it.'

The video captured moments of what appeared to be an intense discussion, leading many to speculate about the nature of the interaction and the perceived authority dynamics at play.

However, Pawar's subsequent clarification sheds a different light on the incident, framing it as a pragmatic response to a logistical challenge rather than a confrontation. He underscored the importance of timely movement for official entourages, particularly in busy urban settings like Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The controversy highlights the often-strained balance between maintaining law and order, managing public events, and facilitating the movement of high-ranking officials.

While the visual evidence of the argument quickly became a talking point, Pawar's detailed explanation seeks to recontextualize the event, presenting his actions as a necessary step to ensure the seamless execution of a significant public function. As the dust settles, his clarification aims to put an end to the speculation, reinforcing his commitment to his duties while respecting the operational autonomy of law enforcement.