Nandigram Congress Candidate Arrested on Eve of Bypoll

AICC In-Charge for West Bengal Prakash Joshi condemned the arrest, claiming the revival of dormant legal cases serves to neutralize a formidable opponent. Joshi alleged that Suvendu Adhikari, fearing the electoral impact of Pradhan’s candidacy, orchestrated the police action to force a withdrawal. According to Congress officials, Pradhan was subjected to pressure and bribery attempts while in custody, all of which he reportedly refused. Pradesh Congress Secretary Subhashis Bhattacharya, who was also arrested during the operation for allegedly obstructing police, described being awakened by the commotion as officers apprehended the candidate.

While the Congress characterizes the timing as a calculated political strike, local authorities maintain the arrest is standard procedure. A police spokesperson stated that the operation was executed based on a pending warrant in a 2007 murder case, asserting that legal processes remain independent of the election cycle. The BJP has similarly dismissed claims of interference, insisting the police acted strictly within the bounds of the law. As the October 6 vote approaches, the incident has intensified the atmosphere in Nandigram, where the outcome remains highly contested.