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West Bengal Congress Seeks Bail, Challenges BJP Candidate Affidavit
The Congress party has asked a court to release its Nandigram election candidate, Milan Pradhan, on bail.
Pradhan was arrested in cases connected to protests in Nandigram in 2007 and an older arms case.
The Congress has also questioned information in BJP candidate Hasirani Rath’s election paperwork.
Rath said she is “60+” and passed Class 10 in 1965, but did not give her exact birth date.
The Congress says these details do not seem to match.
It wants the court to examine the alleged problem and the Election Commission’s response.
The Nandigram vote will take place on October 6.
Votes will be counted on October 9.
The West Bengal Congress moved the Calcutta High Court seeking bail for Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan.
Pradhan is in judicial custody over cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition movement and an older Arms Act case.
The Congress also challenged alleged inconsistencies in BJP nominee Hasirani Rath’s election affidavit.
Rath listed herself as “60+” and said she passed Class 10 in 1965, without providing a date of birth.
The Nandigram bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9.
- Who
- The West Bengal Congress, its candidate Milan Pradhan, BJP nominee Hasirani Rath, the Calcutta High Court and the Election Commission of India.
- What
- The Congress sought bail for Pradhan and challenged alleged discrepancies in Rath’s election affidavit.
- Where
- The legal proceedings are before the Calcutta High Court and concern the Nandigram bypoll in West Bengal.
- When
- The Congress announced the court action on Wednesday, September 23; voting is scheduled for October 6 and counting for October 9.
- Why
- The Congress seeks Pradhan’s release and judicial scrutiny of Rath’s affidavit and the Election Commission’s alleged action or inaction.
Congress’s Allegations
Candidate and Election Authorities’ Position
Affidavit information
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress says Rath’s stated age and 1965 Class 10 qualification year are inconsistent and has sought judicial scrutiny.
Candidate and Election Authorities’ Position
The report does not provide a response from Hasirani Rath or the Election Commission addressing the alleged discrepancy.
Nomination status
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress previously said the Election Commission should investigate and cancel Rath’s nomination if she could not explain the discrepancy.
Candidate and Election Authorities’ Position
No decision by the Election Commission on the nomination is reported in the article.
Milan Pradhan’s custody
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress has moved the High Court seeking bail for its candidate.
Candidate and Election Authorities’ Position
Pradhan remains in judicial custody under separate court orders covering the pending cases described in the report.
Key facts
- Election
- Nandigram bypoll
- Polling date
- October 6
- Campaign end
- October 4
- Counting date
- October 9
- Congress candidate
- Milan Pradhan
- BJP candidate
- Hasirani Rath
- Disputed affidavit details
- Rath listed her age as “60+” and her Class 10 completion year as 1965.
Sources
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