EC swings into action after row over UP Singham's remarks against TMC candidate
An EC-ordered transfer, a viral 'Singham' warning, protests, and a serious complaint alleging night raids - the Falta controversy deepens ahead of April 29 polling in West Bengal.
The Election Commission on Tuesday transferred a key poll official in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas after a political row escalated in Falta over remarks made by high-profile Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, triggering protests by the ruling Trinamool Congress.
The row erupted after Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, appointed as the Election Commission’s poll observer in the state, warned potential troublemakers of “appropriate treatment” if they attempted to disrupt voting. His remarks triggered a major political storm, with the TMC accusing him of overstepping his mandate and “intimidating” party workers.
Joint BDO of Falta, Sourav Hazra, has been shifted to Purulia headquarters with immediate effect. He has been replaced by Ramya Bhattacharya, an officer on special duty, according to an official communication issued on Tuesday.
Hazra was also serving as Assistant Returning Officer for the Falta assembly seat. The Commission approved his transfer and directed that the order be implemented immediately, with a compliance report to be submitted by 5.30 pm.
‘SINGHAM’ WARNING TRIGGERS FLASHPOINT
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, deployed as an Election Commission observer, visiting the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan late on Monday.
In the video, Sharma warned of strict action if there were attempts to intimidate voters.
“Make sure he understands. If there are complaints of people being threatened, we will deal with it properly,” he said.
Often referred to as ‘Singham’, Sharma’s remarks triggered a sharp response from Khan, who said, “If he’s ‘Singham’, I am ‘Pushpa’.”
Khan accused the officer of trying to pressure him and his supporters. “They came with police force and tried to pressure me and my people. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic system,” he said.
PROTESTS ERUPT IN FALTA
Following the exchange, TMC supporters gathered in Falta, raising slogans and protesting against Sharma’s visit.
Supporters accused the officer of “intimidating” party workers ahead of polling, as his convoy passed through the area with central forces.
COMPLAINT ALLEGES NIGHT RAID, ASSAULT
The row has taken a serious turn with a complaint filed at Falta police station by a woman, alleging misconduct by central forces.
In her complaint, she alleged that personnel entered her house late on April 27 without valid documents.
“They identified themselves as members of the CRPF They came to detain my husband and entered the house without any valid documents,” the complaint reads.
She alleged she was pushed and assaulted, and accused personnel of “indecent touching and molestation”.
The complaint also claims that the family was asked to vote for the BJP and threatened with consequences if they refused. “If we disobey this order, they will come back after May 4 and harm us,” it alleges.
She has sought an FIR and a thorough investigation, including into the role of the police observer.
TENSIONS HIGH AHEAD OF POLLING
Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, has now turned into a high-voltage battleground as campaigning peaks.
With multiple observers deployed by the Election Commission, the unfolding controversy has intensified focus on poll conduct just days before voting.
The Election Commission on Tuesday transferred a key poll official in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas after a political row escalated in Falta over remarks made by high-profile Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, triggering protests by the ruling Trinamool Congress.
The row erupted after Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, appointed as the Election Commission’s poll observer in the state, warned potential troublemakers of “appropriate treatment” if they attempted to disrupt voting. His remarks triggered a major political storm, with the TMC accusing him of overstepping his mandate and “intimidating” party workers.
Joint BDO of Falta, Sourav Hazra, has been shifted to Purulia headquarters with immediate effect. He has been replaced by Ramya Bhattacharya, an officer on special duty, according to an official communication issued on Tuesday.
Hazra was also serving as Assistant Returning Officer for the Falta assembly seat. The Commission approved his transfer and directed that the order be implemented immediately, with a compliance report to be submitted by 5.30 pm.
‘SINGHAM’ WARNING TRIGGERS FLASHPOINT
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, deployed as an Election Commission observer, visiting the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan late on Monday.
In the video, Sharma warned of strict action if there were attempts to intimidate voters.
“Make sure he understands. If there are complaints of people being threatened, we will deal with it properly,” he said.
Often referred to as ‘Singham’, Sharma’s remarks triggered a sharp response from Khan, who said, “If he’s ‘Singham’, I am ‘Pushpa’.”
Khan accused the officer of trying to pressure him and his supporters. “They came with police force and tried to pressure me and my people. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic system,” he said.
PROTESTS ERUPT IN FALTA
Following the exchange, TMC supporters gathered in Falta, raising slogans and protesting against Sharma’s visit.
Supporters accused the officer of “intimidating” party workers ahead of polling, as his convoy passed through the area with central forces.
COMPLAINT ALLEGES NIGHT RAID, ASSAULT
The row has taken a serious turn with a complaint filed at Falta police station by a woman, alleging misconduct by central forces.
In her complaint, she alleged that personnel entered her house late on April 27 without valid documents.
“They identified themselves as members of the CRPF They came to detain my husband and entered the house without any valid documents,” the complaint reads.
She alleged she was pushed and assaulted, and accused personnel of “indecent touching and molestation”.
The complaint also claims that the family was asked to vote for the BJP and threatened with consequences if they refused. “If we disobey this order, they will come back after May 4 and harm us,” it alleges.
She has sought an FIR and a thorough investigation, including into the role of the police observer.
TENSIONS HIGH AHEAD OF POLLING
Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, has now turned into a high-voltage battleground as campaigning peaks.
With multiple observers deployed by the Election Commission, the unfolding controversy has intensified focus on poll conduct just days before voting.
