'Pushpa has bowed; Abhishek Banerjee will too': BJP targets TMC after Falta candidate quits repoll race

Jahangir Khan, the TMC candidate who had earlier branded himself as “Pushpa” after the hit Telugu film character, pulled out of the contest just two days before polling, triggering a fresh political slugfest in West Bengal.

Seizing on the development, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar mocked both Khan and Banerjee, saying the “Pushpa” image had collapsed under pressure.

“Several people try to be ‘Pushpa’ but ‘Pushpa’ was a ‘phusss’ this time. Everyone is bending now. AB’s agent bhi jhuk gaya; AB bhi jhukega,” Majumdar said, taking a dig at Banerjee using the famous “Pushpa jhukega nahi” dialogue from the film.

From ‘Pushpa’ to pullout

Jahangir Khan had shot into the spotlight during the election campaign after a confrontation with IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, who had been deployed as a special observer in South 24 Parganas ahead of the polls.

While Sharma was dubbed Bengal’s “Singham”, Khan projected himself as “Pushpa”, the rebellious protagonist from the blockbuster franchise.

However, Khan struck a conciliatory tone on Tuesday while announcing his withdrawal from the race.

He claimed he stepped aside after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari promised a special development package for Falta.

“I am withdrawing my nomination in the interest of Falta’s development and peace,” Khan said.

TMC alleges BJP pressure

The Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Khan’s decision and alleged that the BJP was using intimidation and administrative pressure to weaken opposition candidates.

“Our workers remain rock-solid and continue to resist the BJP’s intimidation unleashed through agencies and the administration. However, some eventually succumbed to the pressure and chose to step away from the field,” the party said in a statement.

The BJP, however, dismissed the allegation, with Suvendu Adhikari claiming Khan exited because he would not have been able to arrange polling agents.

Why is Falta voting again?

Repolling in Falta was ordered after the earlier election process was abandoned on April 29 following allegations of electoral malpractice and violence.

The fresh polling will be held on Thursday, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 24.

The political battle has gained added significance because Diamond Harbour remains one of Abhishek Banerjee’s key bastions, making the BJP’s aggressive messaging around the Falta contest politically symbolic ahead of the results.