A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal just ahead of the crucial phase of polling, after a senior police officer from Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Pal Sharma, visited the local office of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Falta, South 24 Parganas, accompanied by a large deployment of central forces.
The visit came barely a day after Sharma conducted a search operation at the residence of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan, and allegedly issued a stern warning regarding complaints of voter intimidation.
The developments have triggered sharp reactions from the ruling TMC, which has accused the officer of exceeding his authority and intimidating party leaders ahead of elections.
Sharma is among 11 police observers deployed by the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair polling in the second phase of elections scheduled for April 29.
Notably, South 24 Parganas—considered a stronghold of the TMC—has been assigned three observers, the highest for any district, with Sharma being one of them.
Raid, Warning, and Viral Video
Soon after taking charge, Sharma conducted a raid at Jahangir Khan’s residence following allegations that the TMC leader’s supporters were threatening voters.
However, Khan was not present at the time.
A video that quickly went viral on social media allegedly shows Sharma issuing a strong warning outside the house.
In the clip, he is heard saying that if any wrongdoing or intimidation continues, strict action will follow, and those responsible will regret it later.
He also addressed Khan’s family members, urging them to pass on the message and ensure such activities stop immediately.
The tone and language used in the video have become the centre of the controversy, with opposition leaders accusing Sharma of acting beyond his mandate.
Political Pushback: ‘Singham vs Pushpa’
Responding to the incident, Jahangir Khan criticised the officer’s actions and questioned his authority to conduct such operations without involving local police officials.
Drawing a dramatic comparison to popular cinema, he said that while Sharma may see himself as “Singham” (a reference to a tough cop from Bollywood), he considers himself “Pushpa” (a character known for defiance), making it clear he would not bow to pressure.
Khan also alleged that the officer was acting on behalf of political interests, suggesting that officials from Uttar Pradesh were being used to influence the electoral environment in West Bengal.
Legal Angle and Court Response
Amid the growing controversy, a petition was filed in the Calcutta High Court accusing Sharma of violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly threatening candidates and voters.
However, the court declined to entertain the plea, offering no immediate relief to those raising objections.
TMC Leadership Hits Out
Senior TMC leader and West Bengal Cabinet Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya strongly criticised the deployment of Sharma, questioning why an officer with a reputation as an “encounter specialist” was assigned election duties in the state.
She alleged that Sharma forcibly entered the home of a party candidate when only women were present, calling it a violation of both protocol and basic conduct.
According to her, the role of a police observer is to monitor and report—not to directly intervene or intimidate.
The TMC also highlighted Sharma’s record, describing him as a controversial figure with a “trigger-happy” reputation.
In a social media post, the party referenced his alleged involvement in a past cash-for-postings controversy during his tenure in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had recommended a vigilance inquiry against him.
Wider Political Reactions
The issue quickly drew national attention. Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in, accusing the BJP of deploying “tested agents” in the name of election observers to influence the political landscape in West Bengal.
He expressed confidence that such tactics would not succeed against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Who is Ajay Pal Sharma?
Ajay Pal Sharma, currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), is known for his tenure in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts like Shamli, where he gained a reputation for leading multiple police encounters.
His aggressive policing style earned him the nickname “Singham,” symbolising a fearless officer.
Originally from Ludhiana in Punjab, Sharma has an unusual career path—he completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery before joining the police force. At present, he is posted in Prayagraj as Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order).
Tensions Ahead of Polling
With elections just around the corner, the incident has added to the already charged political atmosphere in West Bengal.
The deployment of central forces, allegations of intimidation, and sharp exchanges between political leaders and officials have raised concerns about maintaining neutrality and fairness during the voting process.
As polling day approaches, all eyes remain on how the Election Commission handles the situation and whether such controversies will impact voter confidence in the electoral process.
