Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.) : A dramatic political twist unfolded in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan announced his withdrawal from the May 21 repoll, just 48 hours before voting. The sudden decision by Khan, who had built a combative public image around the slogan “Pushpa Jhukega Nahi”, triggered intense political debate across the state.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Jahangir Khan said he would no longer participate in the repoll process. He claimed that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s announcement of a “special development package” for Falta influenced his decision.

Calling himself the “son of Falta”, Khan said he wanted peace and development in the constituency. “The Chief Minister has announced a special package for the development of Falta. I want the area to progress and remain peaceful. That is why I have decided to step away from the repoll process,” he stated.

However, shortly after his announcement, the All India Trinamool Congress publicly distanced itself from the move. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the party clarified that Khan’s withdrawal was his “personal decision” and not that of the party.

The TMC alleged that since the declaration of the election results on May 4, an atmosphere of intimidation had been created in Falta. According to the party, more than 100 TMC workers in the constituency had been arrested, several party offices vandalised, shut down or forcibly occupied despite repeated complaints to the Election Commission.

The party further claimed that BJP leaders were using the administration and investigative agencies to pressure opposition workers. “Even under such pressure, our workers remain steadfast. However, some individuals eventually succumbed to the circumstances and stepped away from the field,” the statement said in an apparent reference to Khan.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, meanwhile, launched a sharp attack on the TMC candidate during his campaign in Falta. Mocking Khan’s carefully crafted “Pushpa” image, Adhikari said, “Where is the self-styled Pushpa now? He could not even arrange polling agents, so he ran away from the field.”

The remark carried significant political undertones because Jahangir Khan had consciously modelled his campaign persona on the popular film character “Pushpa”, repeatedly declaring during rallies and public interactions that “Pushpa never bends”. He had projected himself as a fearless local strongman who would not bow to pressure.

Ahead of polling, Khan had even publicly challenged police observer Ajaypal Sharma and insisted that he would not back down under any circumstances. His supporters aggressively promoted the “Pushpa” branding throughout the campaign, while political rivals frequently ridiculed it.

Political observers believe Khan’s sudden withdrawal has severely dented the aggressive political image he had cultivated over the past few weeks. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions highlighting the irony of a leader who repeatedly claimed he would “never bend” eventually stepping away from the electoral contest itself.

The Falta constituency had already emerged as one of the most controversial seats in the state election. During polling on April 29, allegations surfaced that perfume, ink and adhesive substances had been applied to EVM buttons at several booths. The BJP accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process and demanded fresh polling.

Subsequently, the Election Commission ordered repolling in all 285 polling booths in the constituency, citing serious irregularities that had allegedly compromised the democratic process. The decision came after election results for the remaining 293 Assembly constituencies had already been declared, with the BJP forming the government in West Bengal for the first time.

The political significance of Falta is particularly high because the constituency falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by Abhishek Banerjee, long considered a Trinamool Congress stronghold.

Although the deadline for withdrawal of nominations has already passed and Jahangir Khan’s name will remain on the Electronic Voting Machine, political analysts believe his announcement could have a major psychological and political impact on the repoll.

Polling in Falta is scheduled for May 21, while the campaign officially ended at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of voting.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh