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Kolkata: Just before the second and final phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, the Election Commission has taken a major action. Today i.e. just a few hours before the voting to be held on 29th April, the Commission has removed a local official from the post. This action has been taken after huge uproar and political tussle in Falta of South 24 Parganas district.

The matter is to UP IPS Ajay Pal Sharma

Actually, the entire controversy is to the flamboyant IPS officer of UP cadre, Ajay Pal Sharma, who has been sent by the Election Commission to Bengal as an observer. It is alleged that Falta’s Joint BDO Saurav Hazra was not cooperating with IPS Ajay Pal Sharma. In view of the complaints and increasing controversy, the Commission has immediately transferred Saurav Hazra to Purulia Headquarters. According to the notification issued on April 28, now the responsibility has been given to Ramya Bhattacharya in his place.

Falta became a political battlefield

Saurav Hazra was also the assistant returning officer of Falta seat. The Commission has directed to implement his transfer with immediate effect. Falta seat remains very sensitive at present. On one hand, TMC supporters are accusing the central forces of misbehavior, while on the other, the Election Commission is pulling the strings on officials to ensure fair voting.

How did the whole controversy start?

The real spark of controversy erupted when a video of IPS Ajay Pal Sharma went viral on social media. In the video, this officer, popularly known as ‘Singham’, was seen reaching the house of Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan late on Monday night. He had given a clear warning there that if an attempt was made to intimidate the voters, the consequences would be bad. After this, TMC supporters started protesting in the area and accused the officer of intimidating party workers.

Big contest on 142 seats today

All preparations have been completed for the final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections. Voting is being held today i.e. on April 29 for 142 assembly seats in six districts including Kolkata. The fate of 1,448 candidates is at stake in this great battle. According to Election Commission data, more than 3.21 crore registered voters will exercise their franchise in this phase. These include 1,64,35,627 male, 1,57,37,418 female and 792 third gender voters.