Row Erupts Over ‘Singham’ IPS Sharma’s Bengal Poll Deployment

Kolkata (IANS): The Election Commission’s appointment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as a police observer for the West Bengal elections has ignited a fierce political row. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has formally accused the decorated “encounter specialist” of acting as an agent for the BJP, questioning his past record and the neutrality of the poll body.

Controversy Over “Singham” Image and Record

SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma slammed the appointment, citing Sharma’s controversial history in Uttar Pradesh. “He calls himself a so-called ‘Singham’ and makes reels, but look at the record—around 150 encounter cases are registered against him,” Verma told IANS. He also referenced past allegations regarding “rates for IPS postings” in UP, questioning how an officer with such serious accusations secured a high-profile observer role.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed these sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), branding the observers as “tested agents” sent to influence the polls. Yadav warned of strict punitive action and “deep investigations” into the conduct of such officers once the political tide turns.

The Flashpoint: Warning to TMC Candidate

The row intensified following a viral video of Sharma confronting Jehangir Khan, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from the Falta constituency. Sharma had reached the area following complaints of voter intimidation.

During the visit, Sharma discovered a security discrepancy:

• Unauthorized Escort: While Khan was allotted Y-category security (10 personnel), Sharma found 14 West Bengal Police personnel deployed at his residence.

• Official Inquiry: Sharma issued a formal notice to the local Superintendent of Police seeking an explanation for the additional security deployment.

TMC and ECI Response

The Trinamool Congress dismissed the incident, alleging that the video was circulated deliberately to create confusion among voters ahead of polling. While the political war of words escalates, the Election Commission of India has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the allegations or Sharma’s specific actions in the field.