Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan announced on Tuesday, 20 May that he would not contest the Falta Assembly constituency re-poll scheduled for 21 May, citing Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's promise of a special development package for the constituency. The Trinamool Congress swiftly distanced itself from the move, calling it Khan's personal decision rather than any party directive.

What Jahangir Khan Said

At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Khan declared, 'Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a special package for the development of Falta. I am withdrawing from this election.' He elaborated: 'I am the son of Falta. I want Falta to be in peace, be healthy and be good. Let there be more and more development in Falta. My dream was to have a golden Falta.' Khan declined to clarify whether the decision was influenced by Abhishek Banerjee or the Trinamool top leadership, saying he would not answer further questions.

His Name Stays on the EVM

Despite Khan's announcement, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office made clear that his withdrawal carries no legal weight at this stage. 'Polling for the Falta Assembly constituency had been conducted once on April 29. On May 21, it will be just a re-poll. So, no other thing changes including the candidates appearing for the election from Falta,' an insider from the CEO's office said. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations has already passed, meaning Khan's name will continue to appear on the EVM regardless of his public statement.

BJP Celebrates; Adhikari Holds Road Show

Following Khan's announcement, BJP workers and supporters were seen celebrating with saffron gulal in Falta. Chief Minister Adhikari simultaneously held a road show in the constituency. Notably, Khan had already been absent from campaigning in Falta since the May 4 election results were declared, even as he was seen canvassing elsewhere in South 24 Parganas district. On Monday, he had approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection against arrest.

Trinamool's Official Position

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) responded through an official post on X, stating: 'The decision taken by Jahangir Khan to withdraw from the Falta re-poll is his personal decision and not that of the party.' The party added that more than 100 of its workers had been arrested in Falta alone since the May 4 results, and that party offices had been 'vandalised, shut down and forcibly captured in broad daylight through intimidation.' TMC said it 'strongly condemns' those who 'succumbed to the pressure and chose to step away from the field,' and vowed to continue its fight 'both in West Bengal and in Delhi.'

Background: Why Falta Is Going to Re-Poll

The Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district was part of the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections held on 29 April. Allegations of irregularities — including the use of perfume, ink, and tape on EVMs — prompted the Election Commission of India (ECI) to order a re-poll on 21 May. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has now secured a majority and formed the government in West Bengal for the first time, had itself demanded the re-election. With voting less than 24 hours away, the Falta re-poll now takes place amid a fractured opposition campaign and a TMC candidate who has publicly stepped aside but legally cannot be removed from the ballot.