Political Turmoil Erupts in Nandigram Following Arrest of Congress Candidate

The political scene in Nandigram is heating up as Congress candidate Milan Pradhan faces arrest just hours after receiving support from Mamata Banerjee. This incident, linked to a 2007 case, raises questions about political motivations and the implications for the upcoming by-election on October 6, 2026. With the TMC candidate withdrawing and the BJP denying any political vendetta, the situation is evolving rapidly. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding political drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 19, 2026, 08:44 IST

Political Developments in Nandigram

The political landscape in Nandigram, West Bengal, is rapidly evolving ahead of the upcoming by-election. A significant controversy has emerged following the arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in connection with an old case. Notably, this arrest coincided with the announcement of support for Pradhan by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with only a few hours separating the two events.

Details of the Arrest

Reports indicate that Pradhan was apprehended due to a long-standing alleged murder case linked to the anti-land acquisition protests in Nandigram from 2007. According to police sources, a warrant for his arrest had already been issued in this matter, and Pradhan's name has surfaced in multiple cases related to that period.

Controversy Following Support from Mamata Banerjee

In the lead-up to the Nandigram by-election, TMC candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her candidacy. Subsequently, Mamata Banerjee declared her support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. Shortly after this announcement, news of Pradhan's arrest broke, raising questions from opposition leaders regarding the timing of these events.

Political Reactions

Mamata Banerjee has questioned the timing of the arrest, labeling it as political vendetta. Congress leaders echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the timing of the action raises political concerns. Rahul Gandhi also took to social media to describe the arrest as politically motivated, casting doubt on the electoral process. However, these claims from political parties have not been independently verified.

BJP's Response

Conversely, the BJP has dismissed the allegations of political revenge. The party stated that the police acted in accordance with the law and that the arrest is unrelated to electoral politics. This has led to a divide, with the opposition questioning the timing while the BJP maintains it was a lawful action.

Implications for Candidacy

Despite Milan Pradhan's arrest, his candidacy is not automatically nullified. Reports suggest that mere arrest does not disqualify a candidate from contesting elections. Under the Representation of the People Act, a conviction resulting in a sentence of two years or more typically serves as grounds for disqualification. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate between arrest and conviction in the current context.

Upcoming By-Election

The by-election for the Nandigram assembly seat is scheduled for October 6, 2026. The recent arrest of the candidate, the withdrawal of the TMC candidate, and the announcement of support for Congress have significantly altered the political dynamics of the seat. The developments will be closely monitored for both legal and political ramifications in the days to come.