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The development followed the withdrawal of Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who had been fielded by the Mamata faction in Nandigram.
Milan Pradhan was arrested in connection with a murder case during 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests, which was led by Mamata Banerjee.
Milan Pradhan, Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll, was arrested in a murder case on Friday, hours after he received the support of former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
He was arrested in connection with a murder case during 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests, which was led by Mamata Banerjee.
“Police and the EC have given no reason for our candidate’s arrest,” said West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar.
The development followed the withdrawal of Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who had been fielded by the Mamata faction in Nandigram.
Not just Milan, West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) General Secretary Subhasish Bhattacharya has also been arrested.
Earlier on Friday, Sanchita Pradhan Dey met Adhikari at Nabanna and subsequently withdrew her nomination, leaving the Banerjee camp without a candidate in the bypoll-bound constituency.
Later, Banerjee announced her support for the Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. Her announcement also came amid an extraordinary political churn triggered by the Election Commission’s decision to freeze the ‘All India Trinamool Congress’ name and its ‘flowers and grass’ symbol for the October 6 bypolls.
At A Glance
Congress Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in a murder case, hours after he received the support of Mamata Banerjee.
Milan was arrested in connection with a murder case during 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests.
Mamata’s nominee Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew from the bypoll earlier today.
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The poll panel on Friday allotted the Mamata Banerjee faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the ‘Football Player’ symbol, while the rival faction led by Arup Roy was allotted the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the ‘Envelope’ symbol for the bypolls.
The arrangement is interim and will remain in force pending the Commission’s final decision on the factional dispute.
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Banerjee had also spoken with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi last night. “Let Bengal show the way for a united INDIA bloc to oust BJP,” Banerjee told Gandhi, according to sources.
“They do not know that I cannot leave All India Trinamool Congress. It will always be with me until I leave this world…Absolutely dirty game but we are also ready to fight it out. I want the BJP to go from India. We want solidarity in INDIA Alliance…In Nandigram, we are going to give our support to Congress party. It is for the greater interest of the country. Rejinagar, I will decide later. In Assam, we are not contesting,” she said.
Polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar is scheduled to take place on October 6, with the counting of votes set for October 9.
Banjeree also called the EC’s move “illegal” and said it is a black day in the nation’s democratic history.
“We don’t disrespect the constitution. We don’t disrespect the constitutional chair….But we feel today is a black day in our democratic history. What is happening in our country that is very unfortunate, unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and totally political biased vendetta to satisfy the ego of a political party. Who are these people?….Unhone bola tha, Naam bhi nahi rakhne dunga, nishaan bhi nahi rakhne dunga,” she said.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested by the West Bengal Police in connection with a murder case, hours after receiving support from former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for the upcoming October 6 bypoll.
Ask News18About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Deputy News Editor at News18.com, specialising in Indian politics and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking election strategies, he decodes domestic issues for mil…Read More
September 18, 2026, 18:31 IST
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