‘Personal decision… succumbed under pressure’: TMC on Jahangir Khan pulling out of Falta repoll

The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday strongly condemned its candidate Jahangir Khan’s decision to withdraw from the Falta repoll, saying the leader succumbed under pressure.

In a statement shared on X shortly after Khan announced his decision to pull out, the TMC said, “The decision taken by Jahangir Khan to withdraw from the Falta re-poll is his personal decision and not that of the party.”

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The Mamata Banerjee-led party accused the BJP of intimidating its workers and the Election Commission of India of turning a blind eye despite repeated complaints.

“Since the election results were declared on 4th May, more than 100 of our party workers have been arrested in Falta AC alone. Several party offices have been vandalised, shut down and forcibly captured in broad daylight through intimidation, while the EC continues to turn a blind eye despite repeated complaints,” the TMC wrote.

The party further suggested that Khan succumbed to the BJP pressure and chose to step away from the field while TMC workers continue to resist the saffron party’s intimidation.

“Even in the face of such pressure, our workers remain rock-solid and continue to resist the BJP’s intimidation unleashed through agencies and the administration. However, some eventually succumbed to the pressure and chose to step away from the field,” it said.

Condemning Khan’s withdrawal from the high-profile Falta repoll just two days before the voting, the TMC reiterated, “Our fight against the Bangla Birodhi BJP will continue — both in West Bengal and in Delhi.”

Earlier today, Jahangir Khan, a close aide of TMC MP from Diamond Harbour and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, announced that he is withdrawing from the May 21 Falta repoll, citing a special package announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for the constituency.

“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 the re-polling of the constituency,” Khan said while addressing a press conference.

When asked whether the TMC enforced the decision to pull out, Khan maintained that his decision was aimed at ensuring peace and development in Falta.

“I have answered many questions before,” he said, adding, “Today, what I had to say was that I have withdrawn from this contest.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.”