Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Rahul Gandhi Calls Nandigram Candidate Arrest Political Revenge
Milan Pradhan is the Congress candidate in an upcoming election in Nandigram.
Police arrested him in connection with an old case from 2007.
The case involved a movement against acquiring land in the area and was also described as a murder case.
Rahul Gandhi said the arrest was meant to hurt the election contest.
He called it political revenge and an attack on democracy.
Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal made similar accusations against the BJP.
Mamata Banerjee’s faction said it would support Pradhan after its candidate withdrew.
The election is planned for October 6, and the votes will be counted on October 9.
The reports do not include a direct BJP response to these accusations.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on September 18, 2026, in connection with a 2007 case linked to Nandigram’s anti-land-acquisition movement.
Rahul Gandhi called the arrest “political revenge” and the “murder of democracy,” alleging that the BJP sought to undermine fair elections.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of “vote chori,” “chunav chori” and misusing agencies against an opposition candidate.
The Nandigram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with vote counting set for October 9.
Mamata Banerjee’s faction backed Pradhan after its candidate withdrew, while the Election Commission froze the Trinamool Congress name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol amid a factional dispute.
- Who
- Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested; Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, K C Venugopal and Mamata Banerjee criticized or questioned the arrest. The reports also mention Suvendu Adhikari, Sanchita Pradhan Dey and Subhasish Bhattacharya.
- What
- Pradhan was arrested in connection with a 2007 case linked to Nandigram’s anti-land-acquisition movement, prompting Congress leaders to allege political retaliation and misuse of power.
- When
- Pradhan was arrested on September 18, 2026. The bypoll is scheduled for October 6, 2026, with counting on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Nandigram, West Bengal, India; Pradhan was reportedly detained at a hotel in Chandipur, Purba Medinipur district.
- Why
- The reports say Pradhan was arrested over alleged involvement in the 2007 movement case. Congress leaders and Mamata Banerjee alleged that the timing reflected political vendetta, while no direct BJP response was reported.
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Reported Case Basis
Reason for the arrest
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, K C Venugopal and Mamata Banerjee said the arrest was politically motivated and linked its timing to the bypoll contest.
Reported Case Basis
The reports state that Pradhan was arrested over alleged involvement in a 2007 case connected to Nandigram’s anti-land-acquisition movement; one report described it as a murder case.
Use of state power
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Congress leaders alleged that the BJP was misusing agencies to target an opposition candidate and weaken electoral competition.
Reported Case Basis
The articles provide the reported case-related reason for the arrest but do not establish independently that the BJP directed it or provide a direct BJP response.
Impact on the election
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Opposition leaders said the arrest was intended to undermine fair elections and end or hijack the electoral contest.
Reported Case Basis
The reports confirm that the arrest occurred before the October 6 bypoll but do not independently establish its intended effect on the election.
- Arrested candidate
- Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the Nandigram bypoll
- Case
- A 2007 case linked to Nandigram’s anti-land-acquisition movement; one report described it as a murder case
- Additional allegations
- A Congress leader said Pradhan had been named in more than 12 cases connected with the Nandigram land movement
- Bypoll date
- October 6, 2026
- Counting date
- October 9, 2026
- Congress allegations
- Rahul Gandhi called the arrest political revenge and the murder of democracy; Mallikarjun Kharge called it vote chori and chunav chori
- Election Commission action
- The Election Commission of India froze the Trinamool Congress’s Flowers and Grass symbol and barred both factions from using the party name or symbol until the dispute is settled
Sources
‘Murder of democracy’: Rahul Gandhi on Nandigram bye-poll candidate’s arrest
Rahul Gandhi calls Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan’s arrest ‘political revenge’ ahead of bypoll
'Murder Of Democracy': Rahul Gandhi Alleges 'Political Revenge' After Nandigram Candidate's Arrest
