Archive · 24 Sep 2026
West Bengal Congress Seeks Bail, Challenges BJP Nandigram Affidavit
The Congress party asked a court to release its Nandigram election candidate, Milan Pradhan, on bail.
Pradhan is being held in connection with old cases linked to protests in Nandigram and an Arms Act case.
The Congress also asked the court to examine information in BJP candidate Hasirani Rath’s election affidavit.
Rath wrote that she is “60+” and completed Class 10 in 1965, but did not write her exact birth date.
The Congress says these details may not fit together.
It wants the court to examine the affidavit and the Election Commission’s response.
The Nandigram election will be held on October 6.
Votes will be counted on October 9.
The West Bengal Congress moved the Calcutta High Court seeking bail for its Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan.
Pradhan is in judicial custody over cases linked to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement and a two-decades-old Arms Act case.
The Congress also filed a writ petition challenging alleged discrepancies in BJP nominee Hasirani Rath’s election affidavit.
Rath listed her age 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 campaigning ending October 4 and 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.
- When
- The legal actions were announced on Wednesday, September 23; polling is scheduled for October 6 and counting for October 9.
- Where
- The proceedings are before the Calcutta High Court and concern the Nandigram bypoll in West Bengal.
- 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
Reported Position of Rath and Authorities
Affidavit information
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress says Rath’s stated age and 1965 Class 10 qualification year indicate a discrepancy and has sought judicial scrutiny.
Reported Position of Rath and Authorities
The articles do not report a response from Rath or the Election Commission explaining or contesting the alleged discrepancy.
Nomination status
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress said the Election Commission should investigate and cancel Rath’s nomination if she could not explain the information.
Reported Position of Rath and Authorities
The articles do not report any Election Commission decision on Rath’s nomination.
Milan Pradhan’s custody
Congress’s Allegations
The Congress has moved the High Court seeking bail for its candidate.
Reported Position of Rath and Authorities
Pradhan remains in judicial custody under court orders covering the pending cases.
- 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.
