Falta Re-Poll Battle Intensifies as Jahangir Khan Knocks High Court Door

The political atmosphere in West Bengal’s high-profile Falta Assembly constituency has intensified just days before the scheduled re-polling on May 21. With only 72 hours remaining for voting, Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail and protection from arrest. The move has added fresh drama to an already heated electoral battle. Jahangir Khan, who is contesting from the Falta Assembly seat on a TMC ticket, alleged that multiple false criminal cases and FIRs have been filed against him as part of a political conspiracy. In his petition before the High Court, Khan claimed that the cases were deliberately lodged to damage his image and remove him from the election process during the crucial final phase of campaigning. The TMC candidate also expressed concerns about his personal safety, stating that he fears arrest and harassment ahead of the re-polling. Along with anticipatory bail, he sought legal protection for his life and property. According to the petition, the increasing political pressure and fear of detention forced him to seek urgent intervention from the judiciary. Senior advocate Kishore Dutta, representing Jahangir Khan, mentioned the matter before Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court and requested an urgent hearing. The court is expected to hear the matter soon, as the election campaign enters its final and most sensitive stage. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has already ordered re-polling in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly constituency following widespread complaints of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions during the second phase of voting. According to the Commission’s directive, fresh polling will take place on May 21 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The decision for a complete re-poll has made Falta one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state. Political parties have intensified their campaigns, with both the ruling TMC and opposition BJP exchanging sharp accusations. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya also targeted the ruling party and challenged TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to personally campaign in Falta. The BJP has accused the TMC of trying to influence the election process, while the ruling party claims opposition forces are attempting to create instability before the re-poll. The counting of votes and declaration of results for the Falta Assembly constituency are scheduled for May 24. With legal battles, political allegations, and a full constituency re-poll taking place simultaneously, Falta has emerged as one of the most politically charged battlegrounds in West Bengal’s current election season.