Kolkata
oi-Swastika Sruti
In a major political setback for the ruling Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), party candidate Jahangir Khan on Tuesday withdrew his nomination ahead of the repoll in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency.
TMC candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew his nomination for the May 21 repoll in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency. The Election Commission ordered a fresh poll due to electoral malpractice allegations during the April 29th voting in the South 24 Parganas district.
The sudden development has intensified political drama in the state just days before fresh voting is scheduled in the constituency. Falta, located in South 24 Parganas district, had already become one of the most controversial seats during the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
Jahangir Khan Withdraws From the Contest
Jahangir Khan was originally contesting the Falta Assembly seat on a TMC ticket. His withdrawal now leaves the ruling party facing an unexpected challenge in a constituency considered politically important.
The repoll in Falta is scheduled for May 21 following serious allegations of electoral malpractice during the second phase of polling held on April 29.
Khan was expected to contest against BJP candidate Debangshu Panda, Congress leader Abdur Razzak Molla, and CPI(M) candidate Sambhu Nath Kurmi.
Political observers believe the withdrawal could significantly alter the contest in the constituency and increase pressure on the TMC leadership ahead of the repoll.
Why Is Repoll Being Held in Falta?
The Election Commission ordered a complete repoll across all 285 polling booths in Falta after allegations of “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process.”
According to the Commission, the repoll will take place under strict security arrangements to ensure free and fair voting.
Voting will be conducted from 7 AM to 6 PM on May 21, while counting of votes for the constituency is scheduled for May 24.
The Election Commission’s decision to conduct repolling in every booth of the constituency highlights the seriousness of the complaints and controversies reported during the earlier polling phase.
Falta Became One of the Biggest Flashpoints in Phase 2
During Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Falta witnessed several allegations of irregularities, clashes, and voting-related controversies.
One of the biggest controversies emerged from Debipur’s Booth No. 177, where BJP workers and voters claimed that the BJP button on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) had allegedly been covered with white adhesive tape.
BJP candidate Debangshu Panda accused election officials and rival party workers of trying to prevent voters from selecting the BJP option on the machines.
The allegations quickly sparked political outrage and drew national attention toward the constituency.
High-Stakes Battle in a Politically Important Region
Falta falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, which is considered a stronghold of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. Because of its political significance, the constituency has become a prestige battle for both the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP.
The withdrawal of Jahangir Khan is now being viewed as a major political development that could impact voter equations ahead of the repoll.
Political Tension Ahead of May 21 Voting
With the repoll date approaching, security arrangements in the constituency are expected to be tightened heavily to avoid any repeat of previous incidents.
The Election Commission has assured voters that the fresh polling process will be conducted transparently and peacefully.
Meanwhile, political parties are continuing aggressive campaigning in the constituency, hoping to gain an advantage before voting day.
As tensions rise in Falta, all eyes are now on the May 21 repoll, which could become one of the most closely watched political contests in West Bengal this year.
