NCP MLC Amol Mitkari on Saturday withdrew his controversial tweet challenging IPS officer Anjana Krishna's educational and caste certificates used for the UPSC exam, offering a public apology amid widespread criticism. The backlash followed a viral video of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reprimanding Krishna, Karmala's sub-divisional police officer, over her enforcement against illegal soil excavation in Solapur.

Mitkari had demanded UPSC details on Krishna's qualifications, drawing ire from NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and Congress leader Yashomati Thakur for attacking the female officer. Pawar, addressing the uproar on Friday, claimed his intervention aimed to defuse tensions without overstepping.

"This was not my party's position. It is my personal view. I have the highest respect for our police force and the officers who serve honestly. I completely agree with the position of the party's senior leadership," Mitkari clarified, retracting the tweet linked to the Solapur incident.

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The August 31 episode at Kapre Wasti involved Krishna and revenue officials halting illegal 'murrum' soil excavation. A local NCP worker connected her to Pawar via phone; unrecognized at first, Pawar switched to video call and sternly directed her to cease action, as shown in footage aired by Marathi channels.

Mitkari's U-turn reflects party efforts to contain damage, highlighting ongoing debates on political meddling in policing and gender dynamics in Maharashtra's charged political landscape ahead of elections. Krishna's steadfast duty has garnered support, underscoring the need for administrative independence.

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