The deployment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma to West Bengal has initiated a political dispute as the state prepares for its second round of voting. The Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state that Sharma’s role is that of an observer, intended to guarantee free and fair elections.
Conversely, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav have accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the electoral process by deploying officials they describe as “agents” to intimidate voters. TMC MP Mahua Moitra condemned the deployment, referring to Sharma as an “encounter specialist.” She shared a video where he discusses strict action against wrongdoing, and other videos purportedly showing him with dancers, on social media platforms.
In response, the BJP defended Sharma, acknowledging his reputation as an “encounter specialist” from the Uttar Pradesh police. The party stated that Sharma had delivered a stern warning to family members of a TMC candidate regarding alleged misconduct and reiterated its commitment to conducting the “freest and fairest election in 50 years,” cautioning against any attempts to obstruct the electoral process.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/encounter-specialist-ajay-pal-sharmas-deployment-to-west-bengal-sparks-row-tmc-akhilesh-accuse-bjp-of-planting-agents-101777349328158.html
