The political temperature in Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency rose sharply on Tuesday after CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty mocked Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee over his absence from the bypoll campaign. With campaigning ending ahead of Thursday’s re-election, opposition parties intensified attacks on what they called the “invisible” role of the TMC leadership in Falta.
Taking to X, Sujan launched a sarcastic attack on the Diamond Harbour MP, writing that the “MP who won by 8 lakh votes has now taken shelter at his aunt’s(Mamata Banerjee) house.” The comment quickly triggered political reactions across the state.
Falta has become a politically sensitive battleground after the Election Commission ordered a re-poll following allegations of irregularities during the earlier phase of voting. While BJP and Left leaders have been actively campaigning across the constituency, the Trinamool Congress has remained noticeably absent from the ground campaign.
Political observers point out that Abhishek Banerjee, considered the face of the TMC organization in South 24 Parganas, has not been seen campaigning in Falta since the by-election was announced. He has also not posted anything related to the election on social media, adding fuel to opposition criticism.
Abhishek had earlier projected confidence about sweeping all seats in South 24 Parganas before the Assembly elections. The “Diamond Harbour Model” was repeatedly promoted during the campaign, especially after his massive victory margin of nearly 8 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections.
However, the political situation changed dramatically after the Assembly poll results, where the BJP secured a massive mandate and formed the government in Bengal, while the TMC suffered a crushing defeat across several districts, including parts of South 24 Parganas.
In his social media post, Sujan Chakraborty questioned Abhishek’s silence and absence despite his high-profile political image and extensive security cover. “Where is the Diamond Harbour MP now? Is he hiding at his aunt’s residence?” the veteran Left leader asked sarcastically.
The political drama intensified further on Tuesday after TMC candidate Jahangir Khan, popularly known as the constituency’s “bahubali,” announced that he was stepping away from the electoral contest. During a press conference, Jahangir openly praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and effectively distanced himself from the election battle.
Interestingly, just days earlier, Suvendu had publicly declared at an election rally that he was personally taking responsibility for Jahangir Khan. Within days of that statement, Jahangir praised the Chief Minister again and virtually exited the contest, creating fresh embarrassment for the TMC camp.
With the ruling party leadership missing from the campaign trail and opposition attacks growing sharper, the Falta bypoll has now turned into one of Bengal’s most closely watched political flashpoints.
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