Political Clash: BJP Defends “Encounter Specialist” IPS Officer

The political controversy in West Bengal has intensified ahead of the second phase of elections after a video of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma surfaced, triggering a major political storm. Sharma, appointed by the Election Commission as a police observer in South 24 Parganas, is seen in the video allegedly warning and questioning supporters and relatives of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan. His strong language and on-ground actions have led to sharp reactions from opposition parties. The Trinamool Congress has accused him of intimidation and claimed that his deployment was politically motivated, while also alleging that he is being used to influence the electoral process. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party has defended him, calling him an honest and strict officer known for maintaining law and order. The Samajwadi Party and its leader Akhilesh Yadav have also raised concerns, alleging bias and calling him a “tested agent” of the ruling party. Meanwhile, Sharma has been actively monitoring sensitive areas to prevent electoral violence. The issue has now become a major political flashpoint, raising questions about neutrality and election security in the region.