Nandigram Bypoll: Milan Pradhan Arrest Sparks Rahul Gandhi-BJP Row
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan’s arrest in connection with old cases has triggered a political row, with Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee questioning the timing.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan’s arrest ahead of the Nandigram bypoll has triggered a political confrontation in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi described the arrest as “political revenge”, while the Bengal BJP rejected the allegation and said Pradhan was facing multiple pending cases.
Pradhan was arrested on Friday in connection with cases dating back to 2007, including murder-related charges. The BJP said four warrants were pending against him and argued that the police action was related to existing legal proceedings rather than his political candidature. Reports also said the arrest followed a complaint concerning the pending cases.
The timing became a major point of contention because it came hours after Mamata Banerjee’s faction withdrew its Nandigram candidate and announced support for Pradhan. Banerjee questioned why the old cases were being acted upon just before the bypoll, while Congress leaders also criticised the timing.
The BJP, meanwhile, maintained that the arrest should be viewed through the pending cases and warrants rather than as political action. The allegations of political vendetta remain claims made by opposition leaders, while the BJP has offered a different account of the police action.
The Nandigram bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9. With the candidate’s arrest now becoming part of the campaign narrative, the contest has picked up another major political twist.
