Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.): All India Trinamool Congress on Tuesday broke its silence after party candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the upcoming re-poll in the Falta Assembly constituency, stating that the decision was entirely his personal choice and not that of the party.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the party claimed that more than 100 Trinamool workers had been arrested in the Falta Assembly constituency since the election results were declared on May 4. The party also alleged that several of its offices were vandalised, shut down and forcibly occupied in broad daylight, while the Election Commission allegedly failed to act despite repeated complaints.

The Trinamool Congress said that despite what it described as intense pressure and intimidation by the BJP using administrative machinery and agencies, its workers continued to resist strongly. However, the party admitted that some individuals eventually “succumbed to pressure” and stepped away from the electoral contest. The party condemned such developments but asserted that its political fight against the BJP would continue both in West Bengal and in Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Jahangir Khan announced at a press conference that he would not contest the May 21 re-poll in Falta. He said his decision was influenced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing a “special package” for the development of the constituency.

Describing himself as a “son of Falta”, Jahangir said he wanted peace and development in the region and believed the Chief Minister’s package would benefit local residents. He therefore decided to withdraw from the re-poll process, he added.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, however, claimed that Jahangir Khan withdrew because he was unable to arrange polling agents for the re-election.

The Election Commission of India has ordered re-polling in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly constituency following allegations of large-scale irregularities, including tampering with EVM buttons and disruption of polling. The Commission observed that the alleged incidents had compromised the democratic process.

The Falta seat is considered politically significant as it falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, regarded for years as a Trinamool stronghold. The constituency is represented in Parliament by Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh