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Nandigram Bypoll: Pradhan’s Arrest Complicates BJP’s Clear Electoral Edge
Nandigram is holding an election because Suvendu Adhikari left the seat.
The BJP is supporting Hasirani Rath, whose son was a close aide of Adhikari and was killed after the previous election.
The Congress is supporting Milan Pradhan, who was arrested in a case connected to events from 2007.
Pradhan was released on temporary bail after 12 days in jail.
Congress and some opposition leaders say the arrest was meant to weaken their campaign.
The BJP says it had nothing to do with the arrest.
The BJP has more campaign workers and flags in the area, so it started as the favorite.
However, some BJP leaders worry that the arrest may make voters sympathize with Pradhan.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was released on interim bail after spending 12 days in Haldia jail over charges linked to a 2007 case.
The BJP began with a major organisational and campaigning advantage after Pradhan’s arrest and the withdrawal of the TMC candidate.
BJP candidate Hasirani Rath is contesting with the backing of Suvendu Adhikari, who vacated the Nandigram seat and called the election a test for voters.
Congress and TMC supporters portray Pradhan’s arrest as political repression, while the BJP denies involvement and says everyone can campaign.
The BJP is widely expected to win, but party leaders fear the arrest could generate sympathy for Pradhan and make the contest less predictable.
- Who
- The main contenders are BJP candidate Hasirani Rath and Congress candidate Milan Pradhan; the rebel TMC and CPI are also contesting.
- What
- A Nandigram Assembly by-election is being contested amid claims that Pradhan’s arrest has changed the political contest.
- Where
- Nandigram in West Bengal, with Pradhan’s support concentrated particularly around Sonachura.
- When
- Pradhan was released on interim bail on a Wednesday after 12 days in jail, with campaigning entering its final four days.
- Why
- The by-election was required after Suvendu Adhikari vacated the seat, and it is being treated as a test of BJP strength, opposition coordination and public reaction to Pradhan’s arrest.
Opposition and Congress Claims
BJP Position
Meaning of Pradhan’s arrest
Opposition and Congress Claims
Congress and opposition figures describe the arrest on old charges as evidence of BJP high-handedness and political repression.
BJP Position
The BJP says it had no connection to Pradhan’s arrest and maintains that all candidates have the right to campaign.
Impact on the election
Opposition and Congress Claims
Congress leaders argue that Pradhan’s release and the public reaction to his arrest could create a wave for Congress if voting is free and fair.
BJP Position
The BJP remains the apparent favorite because of its stronger organisation, earlier campaign start and Adhikari’s local political influence, although one party leader acknowledged that the arrest may create sympathy for Pradhan.
Opposition support
Opposition and Congress Claims
Congress expects Mamata Banerjee’s support base to vote for Pradhan, despite limited visible TMC activity and the withdrawal of the TMC candidate.
BJP Position
BJP supporters point to the absence of key local TMC leaders and the poor visibility of the rebel TMC candidate as evidence that the opposition is weak on the ground.
Key facts
- Congress candidate
- Milan Pradhan, aged 58, was released on interim bail after 12 days in Haldia jail.
- BJP candidate
- Hasirani Rath is contesting with Suvendu Adhikari’s support.
- Previous election result
- Adhikari won by more than 9,600 votes with slightly over 50% of the vote.
- TMC result
- The Trinamool Congress received more than 47% of the vote in the previous election.
- Congress result
- The Congress received 0.32% of the vote in the previous election.
- Left result
- The Left vote share was 1.19% in the previous election.
- Additional candidates
- Ehteshmul Haque is contesting for the rebel TMC, while Shantigopal Giri is the CPI candidate.
Quotes
A senior BJP leader
BJP leader discussing the potential electoral impact of Pradhan’s arrest
“This contest would have been a cakewalk for the BJP… Although Pradhan was an active part of the 2007 land movement, he was not a prominent leader. But, his arrest changed everything. We fear that a section of the people may vote for Pradhan because of his arrest.”
indianexpress.com
“This support shows how angry people are with the BJP… If a free and fair election is held, the party will not be able to retain this seat… We will create a wave for the Congress.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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