TMC Candidate Protests IPS Officer's Visit in West Bengal Elections

TMC Candidate Raises Concerns Over IPS Officer's Actions

In the Falta assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, TMC candidate Jahangir Khan expressed his discontent on Tuesday regarding the visit of Ajay Pal Sharma, an IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, appointed as an observer by the Election Commission. Khan remarked that if Sharma is the 'Singham', he considers himself the 'Pushpa', asserting that any attempts to intimidate party workers would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, TMC supporters staged protests in Falta, accusing Sharma of attempting to intimidate party leaders and workers ahead of the second phase of assembly elections scheduled for April 29. Officials reported that Sharma faced opposition from TMC supporters who chanted 'Jai Bangla' outside Khan's residence and election office.

An official from the Election Commission noted that they received reports of Khan's supporters allegedly collecting voter ID cards and intimidating residents in Falta, prompting Sharma's visit to the area.

During his visit, Sharma, known as 'Singham' in Uttar Pradesh, made it clear that he would not allow Khan and his supporters to intimidate voters. He is one of the 95 observers deployed by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair voting in the upcoming elections.

Khan responded to the situation by stating that he would not permit police officers deployed by the BJP to intimidate voters. He emphasized, 'This is Bengal; if he (Sharma) is the 'Singham', then I am the 'Pushpa'. Any threats or pressure from Uttar Pradesh police officers on behalf of the BJP will not be tolerated.'

He further added, 'They came with the police force and tried to exert pressure on me and my people. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic system.' Eyewitnesses reported that Sharma arrived at Khan's residence late Monday night, warning that if any complaints of voter intimidation arose, immediate strict action would be taken.

The Falta assembly seat falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Abhishek Banerjee. Senior TMC leaders and ministers have opposed Sharma's actions, alleging that he is overstepping his role.

Chandramma Bhattacharya, a minister in the West Bengal government, questioned Sharma's presence, stating, 'The media has dubbed him an 'encounter specialist'. We wonder what a police officer like him is doing here. Can he threaten someone at their home at night? Has he been assigned the task of arresting people without evidence?'

She condemned such actions, suggesting that it appears he was brought in to disrupt peace under some pretext.

Another minister, Arup Biswas, remarked, 'Observers are expected to remain neutral. Any attempts to operate beyond constitutional limits or target a specific party will be legally challenged.' TMC MP Mahua Moitra shared a video on social media showing a person dancing in a pub, tagging Sharma and commenting, 'Glad to see you having fun... hope your police skills are better than your dancing skills.'