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Bengal Bypoll: TMC Candidate Jahangir Khan Withdraws from Falta Race

Jahangir Khan exits Falta repoll just before voting.

May 19
3 min read
Bengal Bypoll: TMC Candidate Jahangir Khan Withdraws from Falta Race

Top Summary

  • What happened: TMC candidate Jahangir Khan has pulled out of the Falta re-poll race in West Bengal a day before voting.
  • Why it matters: Khan's withdrawal creates uncertainty and impacts the TMC's prospects in the constituency.
  • What changes for people: Voters in Falta will now choose from a different set of candidates, altering the electoral dynamics.
  • Who is affected: TMC, BJP, voters of Falta, and candidates involved in the re-election.

Khan's Sudden Exit Shakes Falta Bypoll

Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan has withdrawn his candidature from the Falta assembly constituency re-poll, scheduled for May 21.

TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty confirmed receiving information about Khan's decision but cited a lack of clarity regarding the reason behind it. The party is investigating the circumstances of his withdrawal.

 

"We have heard that Jahangir Khan has decided not to contest or participate in the Falta repoll," Chakraborty told reporters. "We are still not aware of the reason behind his withdrawal."

 

BJP Claims Victory, Alleges Intimidation

Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP leader, held a roadshow in Falta, claiming Khan had no choice but to withdraw.

Adhikari stated,

"He had no other way, as he won't get a polling agent, so he decided to run away."

 

Adhikari's roadshow included chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and was projected as a show of strength by BJP workers, who are supporting BJP candidate Debanshu Panda.

Allegations of Past Electoral Malpractice

Locals participating in the BJP rally alleged they have been unable to vote freely for the past 10 years due to intimidation by "TMC-backed goons."

Notably, neither Khan nor senior TMC leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee conducted any rallies or public meetings in Falta during the campaign period since May 4.

Legal Battles Preceded Withdrawal

On May 18, the Calcutta High Court permitted Khan to contest the re-poll and ordered no coercive action against him until May 24. He had multiple FIRs registered against him.

The re-election in Falta was scheduled due to allegations of widespread malpractices that led to the cancellation of the earlier election.

Khan had approached the court seeking disclosure of all FIRs and protection from coercive action, claiming he was being targeted with multiple FIRs during the election period.

What to Watch Next

The TMC is expected to release a statement regarding Khan's replacement or strategy for the Falta re-poll. Further investigation into the reasons behind Khan's withdrawal is anticipated, potentially revealing more details about the circumstances surrounding his decision.