Kolkata: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on Friday in connection with a murder case linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests, hours after former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced her support for his candidature in the upcoming bypoll.
The arrest came on a day of major political developments in Nandigram, after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who had been fielded by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, withdrew from the contest. Pradhan Dey met Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Friday afternoon, accompanied by her husband Satyajit, before withdrawing her nomination.
Mamata Backs Congress Candidate
With the Mamata-led faction left without a candidate in Nandigram, Banerjee later announced her support for Congress nominee Milan Pradhan. The move came amid a dispute over the Trinamool Congress name and election symbol following the Election Commission's interim decision concerning the rival factions.
Banerjee had also spoken with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi the previous night. According to sources, she told him: “Let Bengal show the way for a united INDIA bloc to oust BJP,”
“They do not know that I cannot leave All India Trinamool Congress. It will always be with me until I leave this world…Absolutely dirty game but we are also ready to fight it out. I want the BJP to go from India. We want solidarity in INDIA Alliance…In Nandigram, we are going to give our support to Congress party. It is for the greater interest of the country. Rejinagar, I will decide later. In Assam, we are not contesting,” she said.
EC Allots New Names And Symbols
The political developments followed the Election Commission's decision to freeze the use of the 'All India Trinamool Congress' name and its 'flowers and grass' symbol for the October 6 bypolls.
The poll panel subsequently allotted the Mamata Banerjee faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the 'Football Player' symbol. The rival faction led by Arup Roy was allotted the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the 'Envelope' symbol. The arrangement is interim and will remain in place until the Commission takes a final decision on the factional dispute.
Mamata Attacks EC Decision
Banerjee criticized the Election Commission's move, calling it “illegal” and describing the day as a black day in the country's democratic history.
“We don't disrespect the constitution. We don't disrespect the constitutional chair….But we feel today is a black day in our democratic history. What is happening in our country that is very unfortunate, unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and totally political biased vendetta to satisfy the ego of a political party. Who are these people?….Unhone bola tha, Naam bhi nahi rakhne dunga, nishaan bhi nahi rakhne dunga,” she said.
Polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes set for October 9.