Trinamool Candidate Jahangir Khan Pulls Out of Falta Re-Poll; TMC Blames BJP Intimidation

Kolkata (IANS): Just two days before the Falta Assembly constituency re-election in South 24 Parganas district, Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan announced he will not contest the election. However, the Trinamool Congress categorically stated that Khan made a personal call rather than following a party directive.

On Tuesday, the final day of campaigning, Khan announced, “I am not contesting this election.” Despite his statement, an insider from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office clarified that the commission cannot change the ballot at this stage. Khan’s name will still appear on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as the official Trinamool Congress candidate.

Ballot Remains Unchanged Despite Withdrawal

The timing of Khan’s decision creates a unique technical situation for the upcoming vote.

“Voters cast their ballots for the Falta Assembly constituency once on April 29. The May 21 vote is strictly a re-poll. Therefore, nothing changes, including the lineup of candidates appearing on the ballot from Falta,” explained the CEO’s office insider.

Because the legal deadline for withdrawing nominations has long passed, the EVMs will still feature the voting button next to Khan’s name.

Chief Minister’s Development Package Prompts Exit

During a Tuesday morning press conference, Khan linked his sudden exit directly to a newly announced development initiative by the state’s leadership.

“Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a special package for the development of Falta. I am withdrawing from this election,” Khan stated. He chose not to clarify whether he received directives from party leader Abhishek Banerjee or other top Trinamool officials.

“I am the son of Falta. I want Falta to remain peaceful, healthy, and good. I want to see more development here. My dream focused on building a golden Falta. Because our honorable Chief Minister is providing a special package for Falta’s growth, I distanced myself from the May 21 re-election,” Khan added before refusing further questions.

Political Fallout and Extortion Allegations

Following Khan’s announcement, BJP workers celebrated with saffron gulal in Falta, where Chief Minister Adhikari led a major roadshow on Tuesday.

The re-poll follows the final phase of the state’s Assembly elections on April 29, where the Election Commission received widespread complaints of irregularities in Falta, including allegations that miscreants used perfume, ink, and tape to deface EVMs. Adhikari successfully demanded a re-poll, helping the BJP secure a sweeping majority to seize power in the state for the first time.

Khan had also approached the Calcutta High Court on Monday seeking protection against potential arrest.

Trinamool Congress leadership immediately issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter) to distance the party from Khan’s exit while accusing the new administration of voter intimidation:

“The decision taken by Jahangir Khan to withdraw from the Falta re-poll is his personal decision and not that of the party. Since the election results were declared on May 4, authorities have arrested more than 100 of our party workers in Falta alone. Attackers have vandalized, shut down, and forcibly captured several party offices through intimidation while the EC turns a blind eye. Even under this pressure, our workers remain rock-solid against the BJP’s intimidation. However, some individuals eventually succumbed to the pressure and chose to step away from the field. We strongly condemn this. Our fight against the Bangla Birodhi BJP will continue, both in West Bengal and in Delhi.”