Mamata Banerjee backs Congress candidate in Nandigram by-election

West Bengal former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced support for the Indian National Congress candidate, Milan Pradhan, in the upcoming Nandigram assembly by-election scheduled for October 6. This decision follows the withdrawal of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, after she met with Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata.

Banerjee described the Congress as a ‘natural ally’ and stated that the move aims to strengthen the ‘INDIA’ (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) coalition and prevent the division of anti-BJP votes. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee reinforced this sentiment, noting that the Nandigram seat was effectively left for the Congress and that communication remains active between Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee.

However, the election faces complications as Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was placed in judicial custody on October 3. Police arrested Pradhan based on pending non-bailable warrants related to cases from the 2007 Nandigram movement, including charges of rioting, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and violations of the Arms Act. His detention leaves him with very limited time for campaigning before the polls close.