Jahangir Khan, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Falta assembly constituency, has moved the Calcutta High Court seeking legal immunity and protection against potential coercive action by law enforcement. Khan, an influential local leader widely considered a close aide of TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, alleged that multiple fabricated First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against him in a calculated move to disrupt his election campaign.

Urgent Hearing Requested

Senior Advocate Kishore Datta, representing Khan, brought the matter before Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya on Monday morning, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given the impending polls. The court has scheduled the matter for a hearing at 2:00 PM today.

Khan’s legal team has argued that the criminal cases filed against him are politically motivated, orchestrated solely to keep him away from the ground during a crucial phase of the election.

A High-Stakes Battlefield: The ‘Singham’ vs ‘Pushpa’ Face-Off

The Falta constituency, which falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, has been a major flashpoint this election season. Controversies began brewing during the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR), when allegations surfaced that local Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were being coerced into adding the names of deceased individuals to the voter lists a controversy in which Khan’s name frequently emerged.

As reports of voter intimidation escalated, the Election Commission took the stringent step of appointing IPS Ajay Pal Sharma, a high-profile officer from Uttar Pradesh renowned as a “supercop” or “Singham,” as the special observer for Falta.

The political drama intensified when a video went viral showing Officer Sharma visiting Khan’s residence to issue a stern warning. Replying to the officer’s warning in a statement to the media, Khan drew a parallel to a popular movie character, declaring:

“If he is Singham, then I am Pushpa. Pushpa jhukega nahi (Pushpa will not bow down).”

Repoll Ordered in Falta

The electoral process in Falta has been heavily marred by disruptions. On the initial day of polling, widespread allegations emerged regarding tampering, including the blocking of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with adhesive tape at multiple booths.

Taking note of the systemic irregularities, the Election Commission nullified the initial polling and announced a comprehensive re-election across the entire Falta assembly segment. The fresh polling is scheduled to take place on May 21, with the counting of votes set for May 24.

Calcutta High Court has given interim immunity to Jehangir Khan. Jehangir cannot be arrested till 25th May. However, in case of any investigation, Jehangir must cooperate.

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