A storm of controversy has hit Uttar Pradesh politics over a viral video featuring IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, the famed encounter specialist from the UP cadre. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has demanded immediate action, intensifying the row linked to Sharma’s role as an observer in West Bengal’s elections.
During a media interaction in Lucknow, Yadav expressed ignorance about the video’s origins but was firm on consequences. ‘Such behavior from a senior IPS officer warrants strict measures,’ he asserted. ‘The government has a history of pressuring officers through their weaknesses to commit injustices—perhaps this is one such case.’
Yadav’s X post amplified the criticism, stating the footage tarnishes UP’s governance reputation and shatters BJP’s women empowerment rhetoric. ‘If protectors themselves are like this, how can women feel secure?’ he questioned, noting the shame it brings to BJP-associated women with daughters and sisters at home. He called for prompt disciplinary steps.
In parallel, Yadav addressed the Ghazipur tragedy, where his delegation met the bereaved family and handed over Rs 5 lakh assistance. ‘This government avoids media and opposition, but we’re committed to justice,’ he said. Demanding quashing of fabricated charges on SP activists, Yadav positioned his party as the voice for the aggrieved, leveraging the scandal to challenge BJP’s authority.
