Kolkata: In a politically significant move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party has once again fielded former IPS officer Debasish Dhar, whose candidature in the 2024 Parliamentary elections had been rejected over non-submission of a no-dues certificate.
This time, Dhar has been nominated from Sonarpur Uttar Assembly constituency, where he will contest against three-time All India Trinamool Congress MLA Firdousi Begum.
From Police Service to Electoral Politics
Debasish Dhar is a former Indian Police Service officer of the 2010 batch of the West Bengal cadre. Before entering politics, he built his career through multiple policing assignments across the state.
Originally a member of the State Police Service, he was later promoted to the IPS and served in several field positions, including:
• Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO)
• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
• Superintendent of Police (SP), Cooch Behar
His tenure in policing placed him in several sensitive administrative and law-and-order assignments.
Sitalkuchi Firing Brought National Attention
Dhar came under national spotlight during the 2021 Assembly elections when he was serving as SP of Cooch Behar.
During polling in Sitalkuchi, central forces opened fire in an incident that led to the deaths of five voters, including a first-time voter.
The incident triggered major political controversy across the state.
At the time, Dhar stated that the firing occurred in self-defence after a crowd allegedly attempted to snatch weapons from security personnel.
Following the incident, he was removed from his post and placed under suspension by the state government.
Suspension, Compulsory Waiting and Administrative Probe
After remaining under suspension, the state government later revoked the suspension order and posted him as Officer on Compulsory Waiting (OCW).
Even after reinstatement, he remained under administrative scrutiny, with a state-level probe continuing against him.
Resignation from IPS and BJP Entry
In March 2024, Dhar resigned from service, citing personal reasons and expressing a desire to pursue broader social goals.
Soon after leaving the police service, he joined the BJP and entered active electoral politics.
2024 Lok Sabha Nomination Rejected
The BJP had fielded him from Birbhum during the 2024 Parliamentary elections against Shatabdi Roy.
However, his nomination was rejected after controversy over non-submission of the mandatory no-dues certificate from the state government.
The issue became one of the most discussed nomination controversies during the election cycle.
Supreme Court Challenge
Following rejection of his nomination, Dhar approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the cancellation.
The court, however, did not initially stay the election process.
Now Contesting from Sonarpur Uttar
For the 2026 Assembly elections, BJP has given him another opportunity by fielding him from Sonarpur Uttar.
He faces a politically significant contest against Firdousi Begum, who has represented the constituency since 2011.
Disproportionate Assets Probe Also in Background
Apart from election-related controversies, Dhar has also faced legal scrutiny.
In 2022, the state CID initiated a disproportionate assets investigation against him.
Searches were conducted at his premises and locations linked to a businessman in connection with the case.
Why His Candidature Matters
His candidature is being closely watched because:
• he represents the transition of a senior police officer into active politics
• he carries administrative visibility from past controversies
• BJP is testing his electoral relevance after the 2024 nomination setback
Political Significance for BJP
By fielding him again, BJP appears determined to project him as a recognisable face in southern Bengal politics despite previous setbacks.
The Sonarpur Uttar contest is expected to draw attention because of both his administrative background and past political controversies.
