Promise or pressure? Why did TMC candidate Jahangir Khan withdraw from Falta re-poll?
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress Falta (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew his candidature on Tuesday, days before re-polling was scheduled for Falta.He cited this in a press conference Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari’s “special package” for Falta is the reason for their retreat.“I am a son of Falta and I want there to be peace and development in the region,” he said. “The Chief Minister has announced a special package for the development of Falta, which is why I have decided to step away from the re-polling process in the constituency,” he said.However, the TMC gave its clarification that Khan’s decision was personal, adding that “some people succumbed to pressure”. “Jahangir Khan’s decision to withdraw from the Falta re-poll is his personal decision and not that of the party. More than 100 of our party workers have been arrested in Falta AC alone since the election results were declared on May 4. Many party offices have been vandalized, locked down and forcibly taken over in broad daylight through intimidation, while the Election Commission continues to turn a blind eye despite repeated complaints,” a post on X said.It further said, “Despite such pressure, our workers have stood firm and continue to resist the BJP’s intimidation spread through agencies and administration. However, some ultimately succumbed to the pressure and decided to withdraw from the field. We strongly condemn this. Our fight against the anti-Bangla BJP will continue – both in West Bengal and Delhi.”The repoll in the Falta constituency was ordered after the Election Commission canceled the entire original poll at all 285 polling stations, citing “serious electoral crimes and subversion of the democratic process”. In its statement, the commission said the decision was taken following reports of serious electoral crimes and large-scale subversion of the democratic process during voting on April 29. The observers’ report highlighted several alleged irregularities, including tampering with electronic voting machines, voter intimidation and violation of voting norms. Ballot unit buttons at several booths were reportedly covered with black tape, disrupting the voting process. There were also allegations of unauthorized persons entering polling stations and voting in place of others. Missing or inconsistent video footage further raised concerns over transparency.Now re-polling is to be held on May 21, while counting of votes will take place on May 24.