West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Falta, May 19: Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, popularly known as ‘Bahubali’ in the region, announced that he will not contest the upcoming assembly election scheduled for May 21. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Khan praised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and cited the development and peace of Falta’s residents as the reason for his withdrawal.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had taken personal responsibility for the election campaign in Falta, asking Khan to leave the leadership of the campaign to him. Within days of this, Jahangir Khan stepped down from the electoral contest, effectively exiting the political battlefield and joining the orbit of Abhishek Banerjee’s Trinamool network. Khan stated, “Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a special package for the development of Falta. Therefore, I am stepping back from this election.”

The announcement has triggered reactions across the political spectrum. Central Minister Sukanta Majumdar of the BJP remarked, “He has tucked his tail and fled. Where is the leader who had challenged state authority in Diamond Harbour? His bravado has vanished.” CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty criticized Khan for backing down despite making bold claims, contrasting him with left leaders who continued to fight despite repeated attacks. Meanwhile, TMC legislator Kunal Ghosh indicated that the party would investigate why Jahangir feared contesting, hinting at a climate of intimidation in the area.

Jahangir Khan has been a high-profile and controversial figure in Falta politics long before the 2026 elections. Prior to polling, the Election Commission assigned senior police officer Ajay Pal Sharma from Uttar Pradesh as an observer to monitor law and order. Despite earlier warnings and assurances from Khan that he would not back down, political circumstances changed as BJP’s momentum rose, leading to multiple legal cases against him. Khan even secured anticipatory bail from the Kolkata High Court, but ultimately he chose to withdraw from the race.

Although his withdrawal comes after the official nomination period, his name will still appear on the EVMs. The announcement has, however, invigorated BJP supporters in the constituency, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari actively endorsing BJP candidate Debangshu Panda for victory. The CM also promised a special development package for Falta if Panda wins.

The withdrawal of a high-profile candidate like Jahangir Khan has dramatically reshaped the dynamics of the Falta election, setting the stage for a heated contest in his absence.