TMC candidate Jahangir Khan has decided that he would not participate in any future polls, just two days before the reelection in the Falta Assembly constituency, which is due on 21st May (Thursday). Khan is Abhishek Banerjee’s close aide and Trinamool Congress candidate from the area. The announcement was made on 19th May (Tuesday).
He withdrew his nomination and stated, “New CM Suvendu Adhikari is rolling out new packages for Falta. Seeing this, I am withdrawing my candidature from the upcoming repoll,” while talking to News18. “I am a son of Falta’s soil. I would want Falta to stay peaceful, healthy, and good. And I want more and more development for Falta. So let there be a Golden Falta, that was my dream. That’s why our Chief Minister is giving a special package for the development of Falta. For that reason, I am withdrawing myself from the upcoming repoll contest on May 21,” he reiterated.
VIDEO | South 24 Parganas: Addressing a press conference, TMC leader Jahangir Khan said,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2026
"I am the son of Falta and I want Falta to be at peace and grow. Our CM Suvendu Adhikari is giving a special package for the development of Falta, which is why I am separating myself from… pic.twitter.com/R95Lw7DpHo
Khan further alleged, “Today, what I had to say was that I have withdrawn from this contest. For the sake of the people of Falta, for the sake of Falta’s development, for the sake of maintaining peace in Falta. My objective is to ensure peace and security in Falta, and to foster its maximum possible development. My vision was ‘Sonar Falta.’ Our Chief Minister is providing a special package for the people of Falta; it is for this very reason that I am withdrawing my nomination. I have withdrawn my candidature in the interest of Falta’s development and peace.”
TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty conveyed that the party has learnt about the development but is unaware of the reason behind it. Khan has been subjected to multiple criminal proceedings but was allowed by the Calcutta High Court to contest the polls.
Why were the Falta polls cancelled and a re-election was ordered
Significant irregularities were exposed during the polling for the 144-Falta seat in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, after which the Election Commission mandated a re-poll throughout the entire assembly constituency. The commission has specified that the re-polling will occur at all 285 polling stations and auxiliary booths on 21st May from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the counting will transpire on 24th May.
The notorious TMC strongman came into the spotlight during the state’s recently concluded assembly polls when IPS Ajay Sharma visited his residence to confront his goons on the last day of the election campaign.
“All of you comprehend this fully that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to create trouble. If any instances of issues or problems are reported, appropriate measures will be enforced. Jahangir’s family members are present here. Inform him that we are receiving frequent information about his men threatening people. We will take firm action against him. Do not cry or repent later,” Sharma warned.
“This is Bengal. If he is Singham, I am Pushpa. No amount of threat or coercion by the BJP-appointed police officials from Uttar Pradesh will be allowed in Falta. They came with forces and tried to pressure my people and me. Such actions are not acceptable in a democratic system,” Khan had challenged Sharma in response.
The BJP has surged to power in the state for the first time after defeating the 15-year incumbent government of the TMC led by Mamata Banerjee.
