Full Breakdown
Milan Pradhan’s legal battle and the Nandigram by-poll
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Court directs government to let candidate contest if bailed
On September 22, 2026, the Calcutta High Court instructed the West Bengal government’s counsel that Congress candidate Milan Pradhan should be permitted to contest the Nandigram Assembly by-poll provided he obtains bail in the five criminal cases for which he is presently in custody. The court’s verbal observation was recorded by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya.
Background & Context
The Nandigram seat has been a flashpoint since the 2007 anti-land-acquisition movement. After Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vacated the constituency in May 2026, the Election Commission scheduled a by-poll for October 6, 2026. On September 18, 2026, Trinamool announced support for the Congress nominee Milan Pradhan after the original TMC candidate withdrew.
Timeline
- Sept 18 – Pradhan arrested in connection with a 2007 murder case.
- Sept 19 – Haldia Sub-Divisional Court remands him to custody until Oct 3 on four non-bailable warrants.
- Sept 21 – Contai court extends custody to Oct 5 in an Arms-Act case.
- Sept 22 – Calcutta High Court directs the state to allow his candidacy if bail is granted.
- Oct 3 – Scheduled release from Haldia custody.
- Oct 4 – Campaign period ends.
- Oct 6 – Nandigram by-poll held.
- Oct 9 – Vote counting scheduled.
- Oct 12 – Court to list further consideration of the six criminal prosecutions.
Data & Statistics
- Total criminal matters cited: eleven cases (Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar).
- Cases withdrawn by the previous state government: five.
- Cases for which Pradhan is not an accused: one.
- Custody periods: until Oct 3 (four cases) and until Oct 5 (Arms-Act case).
Official Statements & Responses
- Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya: Pradhan may contest if bail is secured; matter listed for further hearing on Oct 12.
- Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar: Five of the six cases challenged by Pradhan were withdrawn; warrants in the other five cases have been pending since 2021.
- West Bengal Police: Arrests executed on pending non-bailable warrants from the 2007 agitation, citing murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, rioting and criminal intimidation.
- Congress spokesperson Ajitesh Pandey: Alleged the timing of the arrests was “deliberate” to impede Pradhan’s campaign.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sources differ on the count of pending cases: some report eleven total, others note five active cases, with six cases forming the basis of Pradhan’s protection plea.
- The status of the sixth case remains contested; the state says Pradhan is not an accused, while the court has not issued a final order, leaving the matter unresolved pending the Oct 12 hearing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The cases related to the Nandigram movement in 2007 where Suvendu Adhikari also fought. Milan Pradhan was also part of the movement. When Milan Pradhan became the Nandigram candidate, he got arrested. BJP is scared of Pradhan as he has a special place in the hearts of all the people in Nandigram,” — Subhankar Sarkar, Congress committee president
- “One should note the timing of the support. It happened after her candidate withdrew from the race. She now has the ‘football player’ symbol, but no player left to play her game,” — Mr. Chowdhury, Congress veteran
What’s Next
The High Court will consider the six criminal prosecutions on Oct 12, 2026. Until then, Pradhan’s ability to secure bail—and to campaign in person—remains uncertain, while the by-poll proceeds on Oct 6 with counting on Oct 9.