Full Breakdown
Arrests of West Bengal Bypoll Candidates Ignite Political Controversy
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arrests of Nandigram and Rejinagar Candidates
On September 18 2026, West Bengal police arrested Congress nominee Milan Pradhan on four non-bailable warrants dating to the 2007 anti-land-acquisition protests in Nandigram. The next day, Saiful Islam, an independent candidate linked to the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) led by Humayun Kabir, was taken into custody for a five-year-old case stemming from a 2021 election clash. Both arrests came ahead of by-elections scheduled for October 6 2026.
Background & Context
The bypolls were triggered after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vacated the Nandigram seat, which he had won alongside Bhabanipur in the 2026 Assembly election. Rejinagar became vacant when AJUP leader Humayun Kabir retained the Nawda constituency after winning two seats in the same election.
Data & Statistics
- Milan Pradhan faces charges of murder, attempt to murder, abduction with intent to murder, rioting with arms, house trespass and alleged evidence tampering.
- Saiful Islam is accused in a case linked to a 2021 clash between two groups during the state election.
- Ashik Iqbal, AJUP state secretary, was arrested on September 18 2026 with counterfeit currency and illegal firearms.
Official Statements & Responses
West Bengal police called the arrests “lawful steps” and said executing long-pending non-bailable warrants is a standing instruction of the Election Commission of India for all elections and by-elections. Police noted Pradhan had been declared an absconder and had evaded legal process for nearly 19 years, prompting the recent warrant execution. A notice was issued on September 19 2026 to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, directing him to appear before investigators on September 21 2026 in a case registered on September 14 2026 concerning an alleged conspiracy to foment communal tension.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress leaders challenged the timing. State president Subhankar Sarkar questioned why police acted while the model code of conduct was in force. Senior leader K C Venugopal called the move an “assault on democracy,” accusing the BJP of targeting opposition ahead of the vote. Former Prime Minister Rahul Gandhi described the arrests as political revenge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The BJP has no faith in fair elections—that’s why it wants to cling to power sometimes through vote theft, sometimes through stealing governments, and sometimes through stealing parties. They don’t want to contest elections; they want to end the electoral fight altogether,” — Mr. Gandhi
Why It Matters / Impact
The arrests have left Pradhan in judicial custody until October 3 2026, eliminating his ability to campaign before the October 4 2026 deadline for canvassing. The controversy has intensified partisan accusations, with the BJP maintaining that the arrests stem from pending criminal cases, while opposition parties argue the actions are politically motivated.
Timeline
- September 14 2026 – Case registered alleging a conspiracy to incite communal tension.
- September 18 2026 – Milan Pradhan and Ashik Iqbal arrested.
- September 19 2026 – Saiful Islam arrested; police issue notice to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir; Pradhan produced before Haldia court.
- October 3 2026 – Scheduled end of Pradhan’s judicial custody.
- October 4 2026 – Scheduled end of campaign period for the bypolls.
- October 6 2026 – Scheduled by-election date for Nandigram and Rejinagar.
What's Next
The bypolls on October 6 2026 will proceed with Pradhan in custody and the AJUP candidate absent from the campaign trail. Further court appearances are expected for both Pradhan and AJUP officials as the investigation into the 2021 clash case continues. Political parties have signaled that the election outcome will be framed as a referendum on the recent arrests.