Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Nandigram bypoll has turned into a major political flashpoint after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in connection with an old case, leading to sharp reactions from opposition leaders and a fresh political confrontation in West Bengal.
The arrest came at a crucial time, ahead of the bypoll, and triggered allegations from Congress leaders, who questioned the timing of the police action.
According to reports, Milan Pradhan was arrested in connection with a case linked to the 2007 Nandigram land agitation. The development came shortly after support was extended to his candidature, adding another twist to the electoral contest.
The arrest immediately became a political issue, with Congress leaders alleging that the action was aimed at affecting the election process.
Reacting to the arrest, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the action was politically motivated.
नंदीग्राम उपचुनाव के लिए कांग्रेस उम्मीदवार मिलन प्रधान की गिरफ्तारी कोई संयोग नहीं, राजनीतिक प्रतिशोध है - लोकतंत्र की हत्या है।
BJP का निष्पक्ष चुनाव में भरोसा ही नहीं - इसलिए कभी वोट चोरी, कभी सरकार चोरी और कभी पार्टी चोरी से सत्ता बचाना चाहती है।
वो चुनाव नहीं लड़ना चाहते,…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 18, 2026
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “The arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan for the Nandigram by-election is no coincidence — it is political revenge, the murder of democracy.”
He further added, “The Congress will neither fear nor bow down. We will fight — and we will win.”
The Congress leader accused the BJP of trying to avoid a direct electoral contest, while asserting that his party would continue its political fight.
The BJP rejected the allegations of political revenge and maintained that legal action was based on existing cases and should not be linked with elections.
The controversy has intensified the political atmosphere around the Nandigram bypoll, where multiple parties are competing to strengthen their position.
Nandigram has remained one of West Bengal’s most politically significant regions, with its history of intense electoral battles and movements.
The latest controversy over Milan Pradhan’s arrest has added a new dimension to the bypoll, with political parties trading allegations and defending their positions ahead of voting.
The upcoming election is now being closely watched as the arrest row continues to dominate political discussions in the state.
