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Ajit Pawar stirred controversy during his visit to flood-hit Marathwada after he snapped at a farmer seeking relief, saying he had been working since 6 am.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar interacts with people during inspection of a flood-hit village in Maharashtra (Photo: PTI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar courted a controversy on Thursday following his visit to Marathwada and other flood-hit areas in the state.
Pawar, while speaking to a farmer who reportedly suffered losses due to incessant rain in the state, snapped at him and asserted that he himself had been working since the morning.
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Pawar also alleged that the farmer, who sought the government’s assistance, was attempting to suppress the voices of those who were working.
His remarks came while he was addressing the locals.
“Why don’t we make him (the farmer) the chief minister?” Pawar asked.
Speaking to the farmer who put forth his grievance, Pawar asked him, “Don’t you think we understand? Are we here to play marbles?”
“I have been working since 6 am. You are trying to suppress (the voice of) those who are working,” the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister told him.
Earlier this month, Ajit Pawar sparked a row after he reprimanded a woman IPS officer who was carrying out her professional duties against the illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil in Solapur district.
The incident took place in Kurdu Village of Madha taluka in Solapur, where Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjana Krishna, an IPS officer, had gone to act on complaints of illegal ‘murrum’ excavation, a material widely used in road construction.
As Pawar ordered her to halt the action, she responded by saying, “How am I supposed to know you are the Deputy Chief Minister? Sir, please call me directly on my phone.”
Her response angered Ajit Pawar, who then said, “Ek minute, ek minute main tere upar action lunga (One minute, I will take action against you).”
A video of the incident was widely shared on social media, inviting backlash against Pawar.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has initiated relief measures in flood-affected regions, including financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives, for damaged crops and livestock, and for damaged houses, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying on Thursday.
According to an official announcement, the next of kin of those who died due to floods will receive Rs 4 lakh each.
Compensation for livestock losses has been fixed at Rs 37,500 per milch animal, Rs 32,000 per draught animal, and Rs 20,000 per small animal. In case of goats, sheep, or pigs, a relief of Rs 4,000 per animal will be provided, it said.
ALSO READ | As Ajit Pawar Video Sparks Row, NCP Legislator Demands Probe Into Woman Cop’s Credentials
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 26, 2025, 12:47 IST
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