A dramatic twist has hit the Nandigram bypoll after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in an old murder case just hours after Mamata Banerjee announced that her faction would back him.
Arrest After Political Backing
Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the October 6 Nandigram Assembly bypoll, was arrested by West Bengal Police on Friday in connection with an old murder case, according to multiple reports. The arrest came shortly after Banerjee publicly announced support for his candidature.
The sudden development has added another layer of uncertainty to an already rapidly changing contest.
Mamata’s Surprise Announcement
Banerjee announced that her faction would support the Congress candidate after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who had been fielded by her faction, withdrew from the Nandigram race.
Speaking at a press conference, Banerjee said the decision was intended to strengthen the INDIA bloc. The Nandigram bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting due on October 9.
An Election Race Full of Twists
The arrest comes amid a wider dispute surrounding the Trinamool Congress. The Election Commission has frozen the use of the party's traditional name and symbol for the bypolls and allotted different names and symbols to the rival factions.
Pradhan's arrest now adds another major development to the Nandigram contest. Reports say the case relates to an earlier murder, although authorities had not immediately provided extensive details about the allegations.
What Happens Next?
With voting weeks away, attention will now turn to how the arrest affects the Congress campaign and Mamata Banerjee's decision to support Pradhan. One thing is already clear: Nandigram's bypoll has taken another dramatic turn.