TMC leader apologises to IPS Pal over remarks during polls

Lucknow: Days after his suspension, former national spokesperson of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Riju Dutta, on Sunday issued an unconditional public apology to UP cadre IPS Ajay Pal Sharma, saying his earlier remarks were made in his capacity as a party spokesperson and not out of any personal animosity.In a video statement released after his suspension, Dutta said the controversial comments directed at Sharma were part of the official party line of the TMC at that time and were made from the party headquarters while acting as the organisation's spokesperson."I made those statements as a spokesperson of the Trinamool Congress while sitting at the party headquarters and following the party line. Those were not personal remarks, nor do I have any personal dispute with IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma," Dutta said in the video.Seeking to defuse the controversy, Dutta said he did not want the matter to escalate further and therefore decided to apologise publicly."I unconditionally apologise to Ajay Pal Sharma for the words I used against him. Even though I spoke as a party spokesperson, I regret using those words," he said.Dutta also claimed that after the controversy erupted, several senior BJP leaders from Uttar Pradesh contacted him and advised him that the entire responsibility for the remarks was falling on him personally. He said he also consulted his legal counsel before issuing the apology.The controversy dates to the West Bengal Assembly elections, when Sharma, a UP cadre officer deployed on election duty in West Bengal as an observer, came into the political spotlight after a video of him warning alleged voter intimidators in Diamond Harbour and Falta constituencies went viral on social media.Sharma reportedly conducted raids and inspection drives along with security agencies after receiving complaints that voters were being threatened. During one such operation, he was seen warning local political workers of strict action if intimidation continued.The video triggered a sharp political reaction from the TMC, with Dutta accusing Sharma of engaging in "illegal activities", conducting late-night raids, intimidating locals and acting under the influence of BJP leaders.Dutta then publicly warned that legal action, including an FIR and chargesheet, would be initiated against Sharma after the declaration of election results.The remarks drew strong criticism from political circles and social media users, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where Sharma is known for his tough policing image. The controversy resurfaced recently after old clips and statements again went viral online, leading to mounting pressure on the TMC leadership.Amid the backlash, the TMC suspended Dutta from the party for six years.In his latest statement, Dutta said he is no longer associated with any political party and wishes to live a peaceful life with his family.In his latest statement, Dutta said he is no longer associated with any political party and wishes to live a peaceful life with his family.