Jahangir Khan on Tuesday announced his decision to step away from the electoral contest in Falta ahead of the repoll scheduled on May 21. He said the decision was taken in the interest of Falta’'s development and to maintain peace in the area.
Jahangir Khan made the announcement at a press conference on the final day of campaigning.
He said, "I am a son of Falta's soil. I want Falta to progress and remain peaceful. The Chief Minister has announced a special development package for the area. Keeping that in mind, I am stepping aside from the repoll."
Violence allegations after second-phase voting
Voting in Falta was held during the second phase of the Assembly elections on May 29. Multiple allegations of violence emerged after polling.
Opposition parties had alleged that ink was applied to EVMs and adhesive tape was placed on voting buttons during the election process. However, Jahangir Khan denied involvement in those incidents.
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At the press conference, he said, "I did not do any of those things. I do not know who was involved."
When asked whether he had informed the party leadership before announcing his withdrawal, he did not respond directly.
EC says withdrawal no longer possible
Despite Jahangir Khan's announcement, the Election Commission of India clarified that a candidate cannot officially withdraw at this stage of the election process.
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According to election officials, the deadline for nomination withdrawal has already passed. As a result, the Trinamool Congress symbol and Jahangir Khan's name will continue to remain on the EVMs for the repoll.
Election officials said the legal process for withdrawal can only be completed within the stipulated time mentioned in the election schedule.
