Jahangir Khan Withdraws from Falta Repoll Amid Arrest Fears and Extortion Claims

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jahangir Khan announced he would not contest the re‑poll in the Falta Assembly constituency scheduled for May 21, saying the decision was personal and citing a special development package announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The TMC said more than 100 of its workers had been arrested in Falta since the BJP came to power in the state, accusing the ruling party of intimidation and the Election Commission of ignoring the pressure.

Civil contractors protested outside the South 24 Parganas district office, accusing Khan of demanding 7‑10 % commissions from government work orders and taking crores of rupees as cut money. Khan denied the allegations, claiming he was being framed for political reasons.

Anticipating arrest, Khan filed an anticipatory bail petition in the Calcutta High Court, alleging fabricated FIRs against him and seeking information on the charges. The court admitted the plea and scheduled a hearing.

The repoll was ordered after the Election Commission found widespread irregularities, including tampered EVM buttons, in the original April‑29 election. The fresh vote is set for May 21 with results due on May 24. West Bengal’s political landscape remains tense, with the BJP now governing the state and the TMC alleging systematic intimidation of its workers.