KOLKATA:
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, who is contesting the Nandigram Assembly bypoll, was arrested on Friday in connection with a case related to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement, according to Congress leaders.
The arrest came ahead of the October 6 bypoll, adding to the political activity surrounding the contest. Congress leaders have strongly criticised the arrest and alleged political interference.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the action and alleged that the arrest was politically motivated. The BJP has rejected such allegations, with BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya describing the controversy differently. The competing claims remain part of the political debate surrounding the case.
The development comes at a politically significant time in West Bengal, with the Nandigram bypoll scheduled for October 6 and the Election Commission’s proceedings over the Trinamool Congress name and symbol also under way.