Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday posted a video on social media appearing to show a man dancing at a pub and tagged Election Commission-appointed IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, taking a swipe at his conduct amid a growing political row in West Bengal.
The post came as TMC leaders and supporters intensified attacks on Sharma, a Uttar Pradesh-cadre officer deployed as an election observer, accusing him of intimidation and overreach ahead of the second phase of polling.
In a post on X, he wrote, "Fair & lovely Babua @DripsAjaypal - good to see you enjoying yourself FantaCop style. Stay Thanda Thanda Cool Cool. Bengal is always Trinamool(sic)."
Supporters of the ruling party staged protests in South 24 Parganas district’s Falta area, raising slogans outside the residence and election office of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan.
According to election authorities, Sharma visited the area after receiving complaints that associates of the candidate were allegedly collecting voter identity cards and threatening voters. During the visit, he warned that strict action would follow any attempt to intimidate voters.
The officer, known by the nickname “Singham” in Uttar Pradesh, also visited the candidate’s residence late Monday, eyewitnesses said, adding that he indicated authorities would take “firm and immediate steps” if violations were found.
TMC leaders, however, alleged that Sharma exceeded his mandate. West Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya questioned the officer’s conduct, while minister Aroop Biswas said any action beyond constitutional limits would be challenged legally.
Reacting sharply, Khan invoked popular film references, saying, “If he is ‘Singham’, I am ‘Pushpa’,” and accused “BJP-appointed police officials” of trying to pressure voters - a charge not substantiated by election authorities.
Sharma is among dozens of observers deployed by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polling.
Officials said central armed police forces have been stationed across the state in large numbers and will continue to remain on duty after results to maintain law and order.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
