Bengal BJP chief: Mamata handed state's future to Humayun, Jahangir
Synopsis
BJP's Bengal chief Samik Bhattacharya launched a sharp attack on CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of surrendering the state's future to TMC's Jahangir Khan and Humayun Kabir — just hours before 142 constituencies, including the volatile Falta seat in South 24 Parganas, go to vote in West Bengal's final election phase.
Key Takeaways
BJP Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya on 28 April accused CM Mamata Banerjee of handing the state's future to Jahangir Khan and Humayun Kabir .
The remarks followed Jahangir Khan's criticism of EC-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma , allegedly over threats to locals in Falta constituency .
The Election Commission appointed IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma , UP's 'encounter specialist', as police observer for South 24 Parganas .
142 Assembly constituencies , including Falta, go to polls in the second and final phase on 29 April .
BJP alleged that Opposition parties have been unable to hold rallies in Diamond Harbour for years and accused TMC of vandalising BJP leaders' vehicles.
West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday, 28 April took a veiled jibe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging she has handed over the state's future to "Humayun and Jahangir" — a remark purportedly aimed at Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan and former TMC leader Humayun Kabir. The remarks came a day before the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies, including Falta in South 24 Parganas.
The Trigger: Row Over EC-Appointed Police Observer
Bhattacharya's comments followed Jahangir Khan's public criticism of Election Commission (EC)-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, an IPS officer known as the 'encounter specialist' of Uttar Pradesh. Sharma was allegedly seen issuing threats to Khan's family members and locals in Falta constituency. The EC appointed Sharma as the new police observer for South 24 Parganas district ahead of the second phase of voting, reportedly as a measure to maintain law and order in sensitive areas.
What BJP's Bhattacharya Said
Speaking to IANS, Bhattacharya defended the Election Commission's decision, saying: "This is an issue related to the Election Commission. It is the duty of the agency to conduct free and fair elections, for that whom they will bring and whom they will not, is up to them."
The Bengal BJP unit also stated: "Mamata Banerjee has handed over the future of the state to Humayun, Jahangir...it cannot work like this." Bhattacharya further called the Diamond Harbour area a "diamond model" — a pointed reference to the constituency currently represented by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata's nephew.
BJP's Charges Against TMC in Diamond Harbour
Bhattacharya described the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha area as uniquely troubled, alleging that the Opposition has been unable to hold meetings or rallies there for years and that several party workers have been killed. "Diamond Harbour's situation is different than rest of West Bengal. It is a diamond model. For the past so many years the Opposition has not been able to conduct any meeting or rally there. Many party workers have been killed," he said.
He also accused TMC activists of vandalising vehicles belonging to BJP leaders across the state. "The (Trinamool Congress) goons do not have sense of fear within them, that needs to be brought back," Bhattacharya said, endorsing the EC's deployment decisions.
Second Phase Voting: What's at Stake
A total of 142 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, including the politically sensitive Falta seat, go to polls on Wednesday, 29 April in the second and final phase of the state elections. Bhattacharya expressed optimism that voter turnout in the second phase would match the high participation seen in the first phase. The EC's deployment of a high-profile police observer signals heightened concern over law and order in parts of South 24 Parganas, a district historically prone to electoral violence. All eyes remain on whether the second phase passes without incident.
Point of View
And TMC's pushback against Ajay Pal Sharma suggests the EC's neutrality is already a flashpoint. Diamond Harbour, represented by Abhishek Banerjee, has long been cited as a no-go zone for the Opposition; BJP's repeated invocation of it is as much about national narrative-building as it is about local grievances. Whether the second phase delivers a credible turnout or descends into violence will be the real verdict on whether the EC's intervention made a difference.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya say about Mamata Banerjee?
Bhattacharya accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of handing over West Bengal's future to TMC candidate Jahangir Khan and former TMC leader Humayun Kabir, saying 'it cannot work like this.' The remarks were made on 28 April, a day before the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections.
Who is Ajay Pal Sharma and why is he controversial?
Ajay Pal Sharma is an IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh known as the 'encounter specialist', appointed by the Election Commission as police observer for South 24 Parganas ahead of the second phase of polling. TMC candidate Jahangir Khan alleged that Sharma was seen issuing threats to his family and locals in Falta constituency.
Which constituencies vote in the second phase of West Bengal elections?
A total of 142 Assembly constituencies, including Falta in South 24 Parganas, go to polls in the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections on 29 April 2025.
What is BJP's criticism of Diamond Harbour?
BJP's Samik Bhattacharya described Diamond Harbour as a 'diamond model' of TMC rule, alleging that the Opposition has been unable to hold meetings or rallies there for years and that several BJP workers have been killed in the area. The constituency is currently represented by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Why did the Election Commission appoint a new police observer for South 24 Parganas?
The EC appointed IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as police observer for South 24 Parganas to maintain law and order in sensitive areas ahead of the second phase of voting on 29 April. The district has historically been flagged as electorally volatile.
