Source NDTV
KOLKATA — In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the crucial Nandigram Assembly by-election, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested by West Bengal Police on Friday. The arrest came mere hours after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly pledged her faction’s unconditional backing for his candidature.
According to police sources, Pradhan was taken into custody in connection with past murder cases, including one dating back to 2007. The timing of the move has sparked fierce condemnation from opposition leaders, who allege political vendetta and misuse of state machinery.
The flashpoint began earlier in the day when Sanchita Pradhan De, the nominee fielded by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction, abruptly withdrew her nomination following a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Rather than filing a replacement, Banerjee announced at a press briefing that her camp would endorse the Congress nominee to present a united front under the INDIA alliance against the ruling BJP.
“In Nandigram, we are going to give our support to the Congress party,” Banerjee had declared, describing Congress as a “sister party” and framing the move as a stand against authoritarian politics.
The alliance had barely settled when police moved in to detain Pradhan, triggering sharp protests.
Opposition Cries Foul Over Timing
Congress leadership lashed out at the ruling establishment, questioning why Pradhan was not detained when he filed his nomination papers before the returning officer.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the arrest a “blatant violation of democratic norms,” claiming the police action was engineered to undermine an emerging united opposition.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal criticized the sudden revival of decades-old cases, remarking that democratic processes were being actively dismantled.
Banerjee echoed the condemnation, terming the maneuver the “usual formula” deployed against political challengers.
The high-stakes Nandigram bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with vote counting set for October 9. With Pradhan’s sudden arrest, the contest has entered an unpredictable and fiercely contested phase.
