‘Don’t regret later’: IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma’s warning to TMC candidate sparks BJP-TMC clash

IPS Officer Deployed in TMC Stronghold

Ajay Pal Sharma, known as an encounter specialist, was flown in from Uttar Pradesh and deployed as a police observer in South 24 Parganas—considered a TMC stronghold.

Complaint Leads to Visit at Candidate’s Residence

Acting on complaints of voter intimidation, Sharma on Monday visited the residence of TMC’s Falta candidate, Jahangir Khan.

A close associate of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Khan was not present at the time.

Despite initial reluctance from locals and regional police to disclose the location, Sharma and his team tracked down the residence and reached the spot.

Warning Issued Over Alleged Intimidation

Surprised by the Y-category security cover provided to Khan, Sharma issued a stern warning to his family members, cautioning that any further complaints of voter intimidation would invite strict action.

“I would ask his family to make him understand. If we continue to receive reports of his associates intimidating voters, we will take appropriate action. He should not regret his actions later,” Sharma is heard saying in a viral video.

Political War Erupts Ahead of Voting

The crackdown has sparked a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), just a day ahead of the final phase of voting.

Targeting the ruling party, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya wrote on X that Sharma had “wasted no time in setting the tone,” adding that “the message is loud and clear: the era of intimidation and impunity is over.”

TMC Hits Back

The TMC hit back sharply, with party MP Mahua Moitra taking a swipe at Sharma in a post on X, cautioning him to “keep his heroics in check.”

High Stakes Second Phase Ahead

After a massive voter turnout of over 90% in the first phase, 142 seats across seven districts will go to polls in the second and final phase on April 29.

Key districts in focus include:

• North 24 Parganas
• South 24 Parganas
• Kolkata
• Howrah

These are considered strongholds of the ruling TMC.