Who is IPS Ajay Pal Sharma? Bengal Poll Posting Sparks Political Controversy
Appointment of “encounter specialist” Ajay Pal Sharma as police observer in South 24 Parganas triggers sharp reactions from political leaders ahead of Phase 2 voting in West Bengal.
The deployment of senior IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of assembly elections has stirred a major political debate.
Known in Uttar Pradesh policing circles as a tough officer and “encounter specialist,” Sharma has been appointed as a police observer in the sensitive South 24 Parganas district. The region is considered a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress and is politically significant due to the influence of Abhishek Banerjee.
His appointment comes just before Phase 2 voting scheduled for April 29, where several sensitive constituencies will go to polls. The Election Commission has deployed observers from other states as part of a strict administrative strategy to ensure free and fair elections. Since taking charge, Sharma has been actively reviewing security arrangements and visiting vulnerable areas. His strong approach came into the spotlight when he responded to complaints of alleged threats by supporters of a local TMC leader. Sharma, along with security forces, reached the spot and issued a stern warning that any disruption would invite strict action. Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media.
A joint team led by Sharma, including central forces, also conducted raids linked to individuals close to local political figures, further intensifying the political discourse. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have raised serious concerns over his appointment. Akhilesh Yadav criticized the move, alleging that such officers are being used as political agents. He warned that those responsible for undermining democracy would face strict legal consequences.
The controversy has added to the already heated political environment in West Bengal, where Phase 1 polling concluded largely peacefully across 152 seats. With 142 seats set to vote in the second phase, all eyes are now on how the situation unfolds under heightened security.
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