Jahangir Khan withdraws from Falta by-election

I have withdrawn my candidature in the interest of Falta’s development and peace

Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan announced on Tuesday that he is withdrawing his nomination and will not contest the Falta by-election. This decision comes two days before repolling on May 21, with vote counting set for May 24.

At a press conference in Kolkata, Khan described his withdrawal as a selfless act for “peace and development.” He stated, “My vision was ‘Sonar Falta’ (Golden Falta). Our Chief Minister is providing a special package for the people of Falta; for this very reason, I am withdrawing my nomination. I have withdrawn my candidature in the interest of Falta’s development and peace.”

Khan emphasised that the decision was his own. This announcement follows weeks of unrest in the South 24 Parganas constituency, a traditional TMC stronghold.

The Election Commission cancelled polling on April 29 after reports of “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process.” Allegations included EVM tampering, voter intimidation, unauthorised booth entries, and missing CCTV footage. The EC ordered fresh polling at all 285 stations. This occurred amid significant political change in Bengal, with the BJP winning 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections and ending TMC’s 15-year rule.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has campaigned in Falta, promising a special development package. TMC sources privately attribute Khan’s withdrawal to mounting pressure, including the arrest of over 100 party workers since May 4 and vandalism of local offices.

Locals noted Khan’s absence after May 4. Although Abhishek Banerjee campaigned actively for him before the April 29 polling, top party leaders were notably absent in Falta ahead of the repoll. This absence led to speculation that Khan was becoming politically isolated as the constituency became a prestige contest.

Falta became one of the election’s most contentious seats after allegations that perfume, ink, and adhesive tape were used on EVMs during the April 29 polling. The BJP objected and publicly called for fresh elections, stating that the situation required intervention.

The Election Commission ordered a re-poll in Falta, even though results for the other 293 Assembly constituencies were declared on May 4. The BJP achieved a historic victory, forming a Government in West Bengal for the first time.

Officially, the party described the withdrawal as ‘personal’ but criticised the administration. “Since election results were declared, more than 100 of our workers have been arrested in Falta alone, and the EC continues to turn a blind eye,” a TMC statement said. BJP leaders welcomed the development. Adhikari had previously taunted Khan, who is locally known as “Pushpa,” saying he had “run away.” With TMC now lacking a candidate, the repoll is expected to result in a win for BJP’s Debangshu Panda.

This situation highlights the shifting political landscape in West Bengal, with the BJP consolidating power and TMC facing internal challenges. For Falta’s voters, Khan’s withdrawal is likely to result in a quieter poll and may permanently alter the local political balance.