The Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal witnessed fresh polling on Thursday after the Election Commission ordered a complete repoll across the constituency following allegations of electoral irregularities during the earlier voting process.
The decision to conduct fresh polling came after reports of widespread electoral malpractices surfaced during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections held on April 29. Taking the complaints seriously, the Election Commission directed that voting be conducted again at all 285 polling stations in the constituency to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Polling began early in the morning under tight security arrangements. Election officials reported that more than 2.36 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in the constituency. The electorate includes approximately 1.15 lakh women voters and several third-gender voters who are participating in the democratic exercise.
The repoll has attracted significant political attention, particularly because of the dramatic developments involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan. Just two days before the fresh voting, Khan announced that he was withdrawing from the contest. However, since the deadline for officially withdrawing nominations had already passed, his name continued to remain on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Despite his withdrawal announcement, voters still had the option to cast votes in his favor because election rules prevented any last-minute removal of candidates from the ballot. His decision added a new twist to an already closely watched election.
Jahangir Khan stated that he chose to step aside after assurances regarding development initiatives for the Falta constituency. According to him, the promise of a special development package for the region influenced his decision. He claimed that his withdrawal was aimed at ensuring peace and development for local residents rather than pursuing political ambitions.
Khan has remained a controversial and high-profile political figure throughout the election campaign. He gained widespread attention after a public confrontation with Ajay Pal Sharma, a senior IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre who had been deployed as a special observer in West Bengal during the election period. The exchange became a major political talking point and intensified the rivalry between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Popularly known as “Falta’s Pushpa,” a nickname inspired by the blockbuster film starring Allu Arjun, Khan has often projected a strong and defiant public image. He is also considered close to senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee.
Following Khan’s withdrawal announcement, BJP leaders launched fresh political attacks on the Trinamool Congress leadership. Several BJP leaders claimed that the withdrawal reflected growing pressure within the ruling party and highlighted changing political dynamics in the constituency.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also commented on the development, suggesting that Khan’s decision was influenced by difficulties in managing election operations. His remarks further fueled political debate ahead of the repoll.
Apart from Jahangir Khan, several other candidates remain in the contest, including BJP’s Debangshu Panda, CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi, and Congress candidate Abdur Razzak Molla. Political observers believe the repoll could significantly influence the final outcome of the constituency.
With voter turnout expected to play a crucial role, all eyes are now on Falta as the constituency votes again in one of the most closely watched electoral battles in West Bengal this year.
