The deployment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, widely known as an encounter specialist, as a police observer in West Bengal for election duty has triggered a sharp political controversy. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has publicly accused Sharma of being a "BJP agent", raising questions about the Election Commission of India's (ECI) appointment process ahead of the state polls.

SP's Allegations Against Sharma

SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma, speaking to IANS, questioned the basis of Sharma's appointment and cited his track record. "Look at Ajay Pal Sharma's record. He calls himself a so-called 'Singham.' He makes reels. There are around 150 cases of encounters registered against him," Verma said.

Verma further alleged that Sharma had "reportedly talked about rates for IPS postings in Uttar Pradesh — ₹50 lakh for SP, ₹25 lakh for DSP, and so on." He added, "With such serious allegations against him, how did he get posted there?" Verma also alleged that Sharma is a "BJP-backed IPS officer" and questioned why the ECI would appoint such an officer, claiming the poll body is "following the BJP's orders."

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in via a post on X, saying, "In W. Bengal, BJP has sent their tested agents in the name of observers to Rampur and Sambhal, but nothing will come of these. Didi is here, Didi will remain here!" Yadav went further, warning of "a deep investigation" into what he called "criminal deeds" of such officers, adding, "Criminals of democracy will not be spared!"

What Triggered the Row on the Ground

The controversy intensified after videos surfaced showing Sharma issuing a warning to Jehangir Khan, a candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), over allegations of voter intimidation in the Falta constituency. Sharma had reached the area following complaints from residents alleging that Khan was threatening voters.

Khan was not present when Sharma arrived, and locals as well as police initially did not disclose his whereabouts. Sharma and his team subsequently traced Khan's residence and reached the location.

The Security Discrepancy That Raised Flags

At the site, Sharma found 14 personnel of the West Bengal Police deployed. Upon seeking clarification from the local Superintendent of Police, he was informed that Khan had been provided Y-category security with only 10 personnel assigned. Sharma highlighted the discrepancy and issued a notice seeking an explanation for the additional deployment — a move that has added fuel to the political fire.

TMC and ECI Response

The Trinamool Congress has alleged that the incident is being "deliberately circulated to create confusion" ahead of the elections. The Election Commission of India has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter, even as the political row continues to escalate.

With polling day approaching, the standoff between the SP-TMC combine and the ECI over Sharma's posting is likely to remain a flashpoint in the Bengal election narrative.