top of page

By:

Abhijit Joshi

31 August 2024 at 10:09:24 am

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In...

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In recent days, she has been drawn into an avoidable political controversy after the Maharashtra Congress dubbed her as “Gungi Gudiya” (“mute doll”) following a media interaction in which she chose not to answer journalists' questions. The remark quickly snowballed into a wider debate about the language used against women occupying high constitutional office. It also revived memories of the same epithet once directed at late Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before she went on to become one of India’s most formidable political figures. Until recently, Sunetra Pawar remained largely outside the glare of frontline politics. She was better known in Baramati for her work in education, healthcare and social welfare than for fiery speeches or electoral campaigns. Her public image was that of a composed, private individual who preferred institution-building to political theatre. Political Limelight That changed in 2024 when she entered electoral politics, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule. Though unsuccessful, she later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha, where she quietly focused on organisational responsibilities and social initiatives rather than cultivating a high-profile parliamentary persona. The defining moment came in January this year with the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most experienced and influential political leaders. His passing created a political vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party. At a moment of uncertainty, Sunetra Pawar stepped forward to shoulder responsibilities that few had imagined she would inherit so soon. Within days, she became Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister - a milestone in the state’s political history. But such transitions are rarely straightforward. Political parties often struggle when towering personalities disappear, and observers had predicted that the NCP might witness internal divisions. Maintaining organisational cohesion during a leadership transition is itself a considerable achievement, particularly in a state where political loyalties are often fluid and intensely personalised. However, much of the public conversation around Sunetra Pawar continues to be framed through comparisons with Ajit Pawar. The contrast is obvious. Ajit Pawar was known for his decisiveness, administrative grip and unmistakable public presence. Sunetra Pawar, by contrast, has generally remained soft-spoken, measured and reluctant to engage in unnecessary confrontation. Her supporters see restraint, dignity and maturity but critics see hesitation and insufficient public engagement. Neither assessment is entirely unfair. That is why the recent Beed incident acquired significance beyond a routine press interaction. When reporters sought her comments on law and order and she chose to leave without responding, the political vacuum was quickly filled by her opponents. The Congress’s “Gungi Gudiya” remark predictably provoked protests from the NCP and criticism from leaders across the ruling alliance, many of whom argued that such language diminished the dignity of a woman holding one of the state’s highest offices. Sunetra Pawar’s own response was notably restrained. She said she would offer a “fitting reply at the appropriate time.” The remark was consistent with the temperament she has displayed since entering public life. Leadership is ultimately judged not only by composure but also by visibility. Every major political figure eventually reaches a point where inherited legitimacy must give way to earned authority. Indira Gandhi had to step beyond Jawaharlal Nehru's towering legacy before she was recognised in her own right. Rajiv Gandhi, too, had to emerge from the shadow of Indira Gandhi while navigating extraordinary political circumstances. Their journeys were shaped by vastly different contexts, but they illustrate a universal truth: every successor must eventually become an original. Sunetra Pawar now confronts a similar, though far more modest, challenge. She must cease to be viewed primarily as “Ajit Pawar's wife” and come into her own. Distinct Identity That transformation cannot be achieved through symbolism alone. After all, lasting political stature is built through decisions, administrative outcomes and public confidence. To her credit, she has remained engaged with governance, regularly attending official programmes, reviewing development projects and interacting with citizens instead of chasing daily headlines. Yet the next stage of leadership demands something more. She will need to engage more confidently with the media, articulate her government's priorities in her own voice, and establish an administrative record that reflects independent judgement rather than inherited expectations. These are demanding tasks, but they are neither unusual nor unattainable. It is still too soon to measure Sunetra Pawar’s political legacy. She assumed responsibility at a moment when both her party and the state were adjusting to an unexpected transition, and has so far navigated that passage with composure. Yet political inheritance has a limited shelf life. While quietness, in itself, is neither a virtue nor a weakness, it acquires meaning only when it is accompanied by clarity and conviction. If Sunetra Pawar is to leave an enduring imprint on Maharashtra's politics, it will not be by echoing the style of Ajit Pawar or by answering every taunt from her opponents. It will be by developing a public voice that reflects her own instincts, her own priorities and, ultimately, her own leadership. (The writer is a political observer. Views personal.)

AI at Borders: Detecting Deception in Real Time

AI-powered surveillance systems are redefining border control by detecting deception through micro-expressions, stress patterns, and speech anomalies.


In an era of increasing global mobility, ensuring the security of national borders has become a critical priority for governments worldwide. Airports and seaports serve as vital entry points, making them prime targets for illegal immigration, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes. Traditional security measures, such as document verification and background checks, are no longer sufficient to address the growing sophistication of deception techniques. As a result, behavioural deception detection technologies, including suspect detection systems, layered voice analysis, and AI-based emotion detection cameras, have emerged as key tools in identifying individuals attempting to enter countries under pretences.


Behavioural deception detection relies on analysing micro-expressions, physiological responses, and speech patterns to identify inconsistencies that may indicate dishonesty. One such technology is the Suspect Detection System (SDS), which combines biometric analysis, facial recognition, and stress-level assessment to evaluate passengers at border checkpoints. This system works by asking targeted questions and measuring involuntary physiological responses, such as eye movement, pulse rate, and skin conductivity. SDS has been successfully deployed in various countries to flag suspicious travellers before they proceed further into immigration clearance.


Another effective technology in deception detection is Layered Voice Analysis (LVA). Unlike traditional polygraph tests, which require physical sensors, LVA analyses vocal characteristics to detect emotional stress and cognitive dissonance. It evaluates variations in pitch, tone, and speech hesitation to identify potential deceptive behaviour. Used by security agencies worldwide, LVA has proven particularly effective in uncovering inconsistencies in the statements of travellers suspected of using forged documents or concealing their true intentions. Its ability to provide real-time deception assessments makes it a valuable tool in high-traffic areas such as airports and seaports.


AI-driven emotion-detection cameras further enhance border security by analysing facial expressions and body language. These cameras use deep learning algorithms to detect micro-expressions that are difficult to conceal, such as fleeting signs of anxiety or nervousness. By integrating these systems with existing security infrastructure, authorities can identify high-risk individuals with greater accuracy. Several countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, and Israel, have incorporated AI-based surveillance at major entry points to improve security screening processes.


Globally, deception detection measures have led to significant breakthroughs in security. In the Netherlands, the Schiphol Airport employs AI-driven travel surveillance to assess passenger risk based on behaviour patterns and travel history. In India, deception detection has played a crucial role in curbing illegal immigration at major international airports, such as Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. In 2024 alone, Delhi Police arrested 203 individuals involved in immigration fraud, marking a 107% increase from the previous year. These arrests were made possible through enhanced behavioural analysis techniques and advanced document verification methods.


Statistical insights further emphasise the importance of deception detection in immigration security. In 2024, Delhi Police's crackdown on fraudulent immigration agents led to a record number of arrests, with most offenders hailing from Punjab (70), Haryana (32), Delhi (25), Uttar Pradesh (25), and West Bengal (17). Such figures underscore the prevalence of immigration fraud across various regions and highlight the need for ongoing advancements in deception detection technologies.


The scope of behavioural deception detection in India is vast, with significant opportunities for enhancement. By integrating AI-powered emotion detection, real-time voice analysis, and biometric monitoring, Indian airports and ports can strengthen their security frameworks. Investing in advanced training programmes for immigration officers, fostering international collaborations, and leveraging AI-driven analytics can further bolster national security. Public awareness campaigns on the risks of immigration fraud can also act as a deterrent, ensuring a more secure and transparent border control system.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic consultant to the Assam government. Reddy is Forensic Psychologist and Industrial & Corporate Security Professional.)

Comments

bottom of page