TMC candidate faces off with police observer in Falta
The Statesman | 29 April 2026
Tensions escalated in South 24-Parganas ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, as Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan and police observer Ajay Pal Sharma came face to face on Tuesday amid protests by ruling party supporters.
A day after visiting the area, Sharma, an IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh returned to the locality of the TMC candidate in Falta constituency to assess the ground situation. His visit triggered a fresh round of protests, with TMC workers raising slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “go back,” effectively halting the movement of his convoy and other Election Commission vehicles for a brief period. The incident comes on the eve of polling scheduled for Wednesday in several constituencies of South 24-Parganas district. Sharma has been deployed as a police observer in the Diamond Harbour sub-division, tasked with ensuring free and fair polling. Over the past few days, he has been conducting area inspections and interacting with voters, assuring them of security while warning alleged miscreants against attempts to intimidate the electorate.
On Monday, Sharma visited Khan’s residence following complaints that voters were being threatened in the area. Although the candidate was not present at the time, the officer reportedly spoke to family members and cautioned them. The visit had already sparked resentment among local TMC supporters. On Tuesday, when Sharma returned to conduct further inspection, he encountered Jahangir Khan in person. While no direct exchange was reported between the two, the situation turned tense as supporters of the TMC candidate surrounded the police observer, shouting slogans and staging a demonstration. Khan, however, appeared dismissive of the officer’s presence and issued a defiant statement, drawing a parallel with popular cinema.
“I don’t know who is an encounter specialist. We have seen films like “Wanted” and “Kick”. Threats and intimidation will not silence us,” he said. His remarks have triggered sharp reactions in political circles, with opposition parties accusing the ruling camp of undermining the authority of central observers. On Monday, Sharma had led a route march in Falta along with Central forces, issuing stern warnings to those allegedly involved in creating unrest. He had cautioned that those indulging in violence or voter intimidation would face strict consequences. With polling just hours away, the developments have heightened political temperatures in the region, raising concerns over law and order in the run-up to voting.