Politics
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Milan Pradhan arrested in 2007 case hours after Mamata backing
The Hindu··19 Sept
Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on September 18, 2026, in a 2007 case, about an hour after Mamata Banerjee pledged support when her faction's nominee withdrew. State president Subhankar Sarkar said Pradhan faced threat calls. Mallikarjun Kharge called it voter and election theft on X. Police sources said the arrest was unrelated to the election schedule.
Prism
What It Means For You
- The October 6 Nandigram byelection follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari retaining Bhabanipur.
- Pradhan's affidavit listed at least six 2007 murder cases at Nandigram police station.
- Banerjee's candidate Sanchita Pradhan revoked her nomination Friday afternoon.
What's Happening
- Pradhan was a frontline leader during the Nandigram protests, Congress leaders said.
- Adhikari won Nandigram by 9,665 votes in 2026 and by 1,956 votes against Banerjee in 2021.
- Congress alleged WBPCC general secretary Subhasish Bhattacharya was also arrested.
Nandigram's electoral record
- Nandigram voters backed Adhikari in the last four elections before this byelection.
- The ECI allotted interim names to both Trinamool factions on September 18.
- Sarkar asked why police acted only after Pradhan filed nomination papers.
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