The Falta Assembly by-election in West Bengal witnessed a major political twist on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, popularly known as “Pushpa,” virtually withdrew from the electoral battle just 48 hours before polling. His sudden exit has now turned the contest into a direct fight between the BJP and the Left Front in the South 24 Parganas constituency.
Speaking at a press conference, Jahangir announced that he would no longer actively participate in the campaign, citing the “larger interest of Falta’s development and peace.” Though his name will remain on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) because the nomination withdrawal deadline has already expired, the political signal from the TMC camp was impossible to ignore.
With Jahangir stepping aside, the bypoll has effectively narrowed down to a face-off between BJP candidate Debangshu Panda and Left Front-backed CPI(M) nominee Shambhu Kurmi, who is also supported by the ISF. Political observers believe the TMC’s passive stance could significantly reshape the electoral arithmetic in the constituency.
“I belong to Falta. I want the area to remain peaceful and continue progressing. That is why I have taken this decision,” Jahangir told reporters. However, he avoided clarifying whether the move had the approval of the Trinamool Congress leadership.
The by-election itself was triggered after allegations of irregularities surfaced during polling on April 29. Complaints involving ink, perfume and adhesive tape being applied to EVMs prompted widespread controversy, following which the BJP demanded a re-election. The Election Commission later ordered fresh polling in the constituency.
Interestingly, Jahangir had largely remained absent from active campaigning in Falta after the re-poll announcement. While TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had campaigned for him before the final phase of the Assembly election, no senior party leader was seen campaigning for him during the by-election phase.
On the other hand, BJP workers were seen celebrating during Tuesday’s roadshow in Falta, sensing a major shift in the political equation after Jahangir’s announcement. With the campaign entering its final stretch, all eyes are now on the May 21 vote and whether Falta voters tilt toward the BJP or the Left-backed challenger.
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