KC Venugopal Calls Milan Pradhan’s Arrest a “Black Chapter” Ahead of Nandigram Bypoll
The Congress general secretary said the party would not withdraw Pradhan’s nomination and announced plans for protests following his arrest in an old case.
Alappuzha, September 19: Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday said the party would not withdraw Milan Pradhan’s candidature for the Nandigram Assembly by election despite his arrest in connection with an old case.
Addressing reporters in Alappuzha, Venugopal criticised the arrest and accused the BJP of using what he described as “authoritarian politics”. He said the Congress would continue with Pradhan as its candidate for the October 6 bypoll and would organise protests over the matter.
Pradhan was arrested by West Bengal Police in connection with an old case linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition movement. Police sources said an arrest warrant had been issued against him. The Congress has questioned the timing of the action and alleged that it was politically motivated, while the BJP has rejected the allegations and said the police action was carried out according to law.
Venugopal said the party would raise the issue beyond West Bengal and turn it into a nationwide political campaign. He also criticised the Election Commission for not commenting on the matter and said Congress workers would continue their protests.
The controversy intensified after former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s faction announced support for Pradhan in the Nandigram contest. The development followed the withdrawal of its candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey. Pradhan’s arrest came hours after the announcement of that support.
The Nandigram by-election is scheduled for October 6, with the seat having fallen vacant after Suvendu Adhikari relinquished it while retaining Bhabanipur following the 2026 Assembly elections.
The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, while the Congress has nominated Pradhan. The CPI has also entered the contest with Shanti Gopal Giri as its candidate. The developments surrounding Pradhan’s arrest have added another contentious issue to the campaign ahead of the bypoll.
