In a sudden development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Falta Assembly by-election, Jahangir Khan, has withdrawn his candidature just days before the scheduled polling.
The withdrawal was confirmed by the Election Commission of India on Wednesday morning. Khan’s name will now be removed from the electronic voting machines, and a new candidate will have to be fielded by the party.
The sudden withdrawal
Jahangir Khan, a local TMC leader from the Falta region in South 24 Parganas district, was announced as the party’s candidate on May 10. He had filed his nomination papers on May 12 and completed all formalities.
However, on Tuesday evening, Khan submitted a letter to the returning officer stating that he was “withdrawing voluntarily” from the contest. The letter did not specify any reason.
According to Election Commission rules, a candidate can withdraw their nomination up to five days before the date of polling. The deadline for withdrawal for the Falta seat is May 22, making Khan’s withdrawal valid.
TMC’s reaction
The Trinamool Congress leadership expressed shock at the development. Party sources said senior leaders tried to contact Khan through the night but could not persuade him to reverse his decision.
“We are surprised and disappointed. Jahangir Khan was our chosen candidate. We are trying to understand his reasons. A replacement will be announced shortly,” said a senior TMC leader from South 24 Parganas.
When reached for comment, Khan refused to elaborate. “I have my personal reasons. I do not wish to discuss them publicly. I remain a loyal TMC worker,” he told a local news channel.
Possible reasons for withdrawal
Political observers have speculated on three possible reasons:
1. Internal party pressure – Khan is a relatively new face in the constituency. Some reports suggest that local party veterans were unhappy with his candidature and may have forced him to step aside.
2. Personal security concerns – The Falta region has a history of political violence. Khan’s family reportedly received threats after his name was announced.
3. Health issues – Unconfirmed reports suggest Khan has been unwell for the past week, though he has not confirmed this.
The Falta by-election context
The Falta Assembly seat fell vacant after the previous TMC MLA, Bankim Ghosh, resigned in March 2026 following his appointment as chairman of a state corporation.
The by-election is seen as a prestige battle for TMC in its home turf of South 24 Parganas. The BJP has fielded a strong candidate, while the Left Front is also in the fray.
The constituency has approximately 2.2 lakh voters and has been a TMC stronghold since 2011.
What happens now
With Khan’s withdrawal, the Trinamool Congress has until May 23 to field a new candidate. The party must file fresh nomination papers, which will be scrutinized on May 24.
If the new candidate is accepted, the voting date of June 3 will remain unchanged. However, the campaign period for the new candidate will be severely curtailed.
The Election Commission has confirmed that Khan’s name will be covered on the EVMs. “The withdrawal is valid. Our procedures will follow accordingly,” a Commission official said.
Opposition reaction
The BJP seized on the development, calling it a sign of “infighting and chaos” within the ruling party.
“First they could not find a candidate. Then they announced a nobody. Now that nobody has also run away. This shows how scared TMC is of facing the people,” said a BJP spokesperson.
The CPI(M) also criticized TMC, saying the withdrawal “exposes the fake unity” of the ruling party.
What Jahangir Khan said next
In a brief statement to the media, Khan said: “I have taken this decision after much thought. I will continue to work for the people of Falta as a party worker, not as a candidate. I request everyone to respect my privacy.”
He did not take any questions.
The Falta by-election now hangs in uncertainty. With just days left for campaigning, TMC is scrambling to find a replacement – and to explain to voters why their chosen man backed out.
