- By Shubham Bajpai
- Tue, 19 May 2026 08:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jahangir Khan, a Trinamool Congress strongman and candidate from the Falta assembly seat, who boasted of "not bowing down" in Bengal politics, finally succumbed just 48 hours before the election.
On the last day of campaigning for the re-poll on May 21, Jahangir announced his decision to leave the electoral fray.
Jahangir cited CM Suvendu Adhikari's special package to the constituency behind his decision to back out. His surrender marks the beginning of a new era in Bengal politics.
Although his name will remain registered on the EVM, the date for withdrawal of nomination has passed.
Clash with IPS Ajay Sharma and obsession with 'Pushpa'
Jahangir Khan's political history has been much discussed recently. During the assembly elections, he openly challenged UP IPS officer Ajaypal Sharma (popularly called "Singham"), the poll supervisor of the Diamond Harbour police district, declaring himself the "Pushpa" of Bengal politics, drawing from the Allu Arjun starrer 'Pushpa' movie.
He had also cited Allu Arjun's iconic dialogue from the movie, 'Mai Jhukega Nahi...' (I will not bow down). Jahangir surrendered the very next day after seeking protection from the Calcutta High Court to avoid arrest.
Shubhendu's 'zero challenge' and BJP's celebration
Suvendu Adhikari, who was LoP back then, had complained to the Election Commission about EVM tampering and rigging in Falta during the last phase of polling on April 29.
The Commission ordered a May 21 re-poll. Meanwhile, in the election results declared on May 4, the BJP captured power in Bengal with a thumping majority.
On becoming the CM, Suvendu Adhikari held a roadshow in Falta, where he roared that 'Bhaipo's Pushpa' (Abhijeet Banerjee's Jahangir) did not allow the public to vote for a long time; now the public will answer this by reducing them to 'zero'.
Jahangir's surrender indicates that he could not withstand Suvendu's political siege, and fearing strict legal action, he left the fray.