If Singham, I’m Pushpa: TMC leader reacts after UP-cadre IPS visit sparks protest
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters staged a protest in Falta in South 24 Parganas district, accusing Election Commission-appointed Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma of “intimidating” party workers and leaders ahead of the second phase of polling in West Bengal. TMC leaders and ministers alleged that the IPS officer was overstepping his role.
“The 2011 batch IPS officer faced protests from TMC supporters who raised ‘Jai Bangla’ outside the residence and election office of local TMC candidate Jahangir Khan,” officials said.
A survey panel official said Mr. Sharma visited the area after the Election Commission received reports that Mr. Khan’s men were allegedly collecting voter cards from people in the constituency and threatening them.
During the visit, the IPS officer, who earned the nickname “Singham” (bold man) in Uttar Pradesh, said he would not allow the candidate or his aides to intimidate voters.
Officials said Mr. Sharma is among 95 observers deployed by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair voting in the second phase.
Reacting to the development, TMC candidate Mr Khan alluded to the Telugu action film “Pushpa” and the Bollywood cop film “Singham” to say he would not allow “BJP-appointed police officials to threaten voters”. – PTI
