Mumbai, Sep 5 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is currently facing backlash for allegedly threatening a woman IPS officer in a viral video. In response to the criticism, his nephew and MLA from the rival NCP (SP), Rohit Pawar, has come forward to support him, labeling the situation as a “trap” orchestrated by his political allies.

Rohit Pawar, the general secretary of NCP (SP), asserted that Ajit Pawar’s alliance partners have manipulated the narrative surrounding his conversation with the IPS officer, which pertained to the illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil in Solapur district. He expressed his concerns in a post on social media platform X, stating, “Ajitdada (a term of endearment for the deputy CM) should take note of how a trap is being set by his friends.”

The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, is part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition alongside the BJP and Shiv Sena. Rohit Pawar emphasized that there are pressing issues in the state, such as farm loan waivers and damage from recent rains, yet the focus has shifted to the conversation between Ajit Pawar and the female officer in Karmala, Solapur district.

He defended his uncle, known for his straightforwardness, suggesting that his direct communication style might be misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with him. “Even if Ajitdada speaks casually, a new person meeting him might feel he is angry or upset. But his working style and nature have been known to Maharashtra for the past 35-40 years,” he remarked.

Rohit Pawar also stated that the female officer involved in the Karmala incident bears no blame. He accused friendly political parties of deliberately skewing the narrative of Ajit Pawar’s phone call to target him. “Even though I am in opposition, I have always called a spade a spade, and Ajitdada should recognize how a trap is being set by his own friends,” he asserted.

He reiterated the commitment of NCP (SP) to focus on significant governmental issues rather than fueling unnecessary controversies. The viral video, which emerged on Thursday, features Ajit Pawar admonishing the IPS officer during her efforts to address illegal excavation activities in Solapur district.

In contrast, the Shiv Sena (UBT), an ally of NCP (SP), has taken a critical stance on the matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Ajit Pawar of shielding “thieves” and asserted that he lacks the right to remain in government. Raut further claimed that the deputy CM is pressuring an IPS officer to endorse illegal activities while preaching lawfulness to others.