Stories
Nandigram By-election 2026: Mamata's stronghold without a candidate, why support Congress?
- •Mamata Banerjee's camp has no candidate in the Nandigram by-election 2026; their initial candidate withdrew nomination.
- •Mamata Banerjee announced support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, linking it to opposition unity and the INDIA alliance.
- •Following Mamata's support, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in old cases related to the 2007 Nandigram movement.
- •Campaigning in Nandigram is subdued this time, lacking large rallies, while Left workers are conducting door-to-door campaigns.
- •BJP is relying on its organization for the election, hoping for a big victory, as political equations shift in Mamata's former stronghold.
Key Questions Answered
Mamata Banerjee announced support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan after her own faction's candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, withdrew her nomination on September 18, leaving them without a direct candidate. She linked this decision to opposition unity and strengthening the INDIA alliance.
Shortly after receiving Mamata Banerjee's support, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in connection with old cases from the 2007 Nandigram movement. The court sent him to judicial custody until October 3 due to pending non-bailable warrants, though Congress stated they would continue campaigning.
The BJP is contesting the by-election with its candidate Hasirani Rath, while the Left has fielded CPIM candidate Shanti Gopal Giri for door-to-door campaigning. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's faction is backing the Congress candidate, and an ISF candidate is also reportedly facing confusion over their election symbol.
