All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Falta constituency, Jahangir Khan, on Tuesday publicly criticised Election Commission of India (ECI)-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, alleging that the officer visited his party office and family home in South 24 Parganas district's Diamond Harbour and issued threats to staff, family members, and locals. The incident has triggered a fresh political flashpoint ahead of the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, in which 142 constituencies, including Falta, go to the polls.

What Jahangir Khan Alleged

Speaking to news agency IANS, Khan said the officer arrived at his party office at around 3 pm on Monday and allegedly threatened his security staff before proceeding to his residence. "Around 3 PM yesterday, he came and tried to threaten my security staff at this party office. Then he went and tried to threaten my family. Is this the duty of a police observer?" Khan said.

The Trinamool candidate further questioned the legal basis for Sharma's conduct. "If he has to say something he has to tell the SP or IC. There is no rule of the ECI that says that a police observer can go and threaten people and candidates at their home. To aid the BJP these people are doing illegal things. They are trying to threaten TMC workers and leaders because they know that they won't win, but we are not afraid," he added.

The Viral Video and What Sharma Said

A video that has since gone viral on social media purportedly shows Ajay Pal Sharma speaking in a stern tone to locals near the residence of Jahangir Khan, with the candidate's family members also reportedly present. In the video, Sharma is heard saying, "All the people here should understand this clearly: If anyone indulges in misconduct, they will be dealt with strictly, as per the rules."

He further addressed the candidate's family directly: "Members of Jahangir's family are also present here. Inform him properly that reports are coming in that his people are issuing threats. If that is the case, we will take firm action. Phir baad me rona, pachhtana mat (Later, don't cry and complain)." The TMC has alleged that this video is evidence of intimidation, while also accusing Sharma of conducting late-night searches and, according to the party, behaving inappropriately with women — allegations that have not been independently verified.

Who Is Ajay Pal Sharma

Ajay Pal Sharma is a 2011-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as Additional Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj. He was recently named at the top of the ECI's list of 11 new police observers for West Bengal. Known in UP as a 'Dabangg Officer' and an 'encounter specialist,' his appointment to the sensitive South 24 Parganas district was widely seen as a measure to ensure law and order during polling.

Samajwadi Party Raises Concerns Over Sharma's Record

Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Ashutosh Verma, speaking to IANS, questioned the basis of Sharma's appointment. "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 also cited unverified allegations: "This is the same Ajay Pal Sharma who allegedly talked about rates for IPS postings in Uttar Pradesh — ₹50 lakh for SP, ₹25 lakh for DSP, and so on. With such serious allegations against him, how did he get posted there?" These are allegations attributed to the SP spokesperson and have not been confirmed by any authority.

Election Commission's Position

The Election Commission of India has not yet issued any official comment on the viral video or the allegations. However, according to commission sources, strict vigilance has been ordered for all observers to ensure free and peaceful elections across the state. The commission has also indicated that prompt action will be taken if verified allegations of law violations are brought against any candidate or political party. With polling day hours away, all eyes are on whether the ECI will respond formally to the controversy surrounding its own appointee.