Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has declined to intervene in a petition filed against Ajay Pal Sharma, a 2011-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer currently serving as a Police Observer in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
The court stated that it would not interfere in the matter until April 29, effectively allowing the ongoing election process to proceed without judicial disruption at this stage.
Petition Alleges Violation of Model Code of Conduct
The plea—reportedly backed by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)—alleged that Sharma’s actions amounted to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
However, the High Court refrained from granting immediate relief, indicating that intervention during the active election phase could impact the electoral process.
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What Triggered the Controversy?
The controversy stems from a viral video in which IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma is seen outside the residence of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan in the Falta Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas.
In the video, Sharma is heard issuing a stern warning against alleged voter intimidation: “If threats continue, strict action will be taken… don’t complain later.”
He also appeared to caution the candidate’s associates, stating that any attempt to influence voters would invite strong action.
The video was widely circulated and also shared by the Bharatiya Janata Party on social media platform X.
CAPF Action Sparks Protest
Amid rising tensions, a search operation was carried out in the Falta constituency by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) under Sharma’s supervision.
This led to protests by TMC supporters, who gathered outside Jahangir Khan’s office and raised slogans against the CAPF while the operation was ongoing.
Senior TMC leaders and state ministers accused the IPS officer of misusing his position, alleging bias in favour of the BJP.
Sharp Political Reactions
TMC candidate Jahangir Khan reacted strongly, stating: “This is Bengal; if he is ‘Singham,’ then I am ‘Pushpa.’ No intimidation by police officials appointed by the BJP will be tolerated.”
He further alleged that Sharma and the accompanying forces attempted to exert pressure on him and his supporters.
Akhilesh Yadav Targets Officer
The controversy has now spilled beyond West Bengal, with Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, launching a sharp attack.
Sharing the viral video on X, Yadav accused Sharma of acting as an “agent” of the BJP and warned of consequences if his party comes to power.
Election Commission’s Role Under Spotlight
The Election Commission of India had appointed Ajay Pal Sharma as one of the police observers to ensure free and fair polling in sensitive constituencies.
With the second phase of voting scheduled for April 29, the Commission has deployed multiple observers across the state to monitor law and order and prevent electoral malpractices.
What Lies Ahead
With the High Court deferring intervention for now, the focus shifts to the polling process and subsequent legal proceedings.
The case underscores the high political stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding law enforcement actions during elections, particularly in sensitive regions like South 24 Parganas.
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