Nandigram by-election faces legal disputes over candidates

Legal disputes have emerged regarding candidates for the upcoming Nandigram assembly by-election in West Bengal. The Calcutta High Court is currently addressing challenges involving both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress.

The Congress party has filed a petition against BJP candidate Hasirani Rath, alleging discrepancies in her election affidavit. The petition claims that Rath reported a birth year of 1966, yet also stated she passed her 10th-grade examinations in 1965. The election is scheduled for October 6, with results expected on October 9.

Simultaneously, the court provided relief to the Congress party and Mamata Banerjee regarding Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. Pradhan, who is currently in judicial custody facing 11 cases related to the 2007 Nandigram movement and the Arms Act, has been granted permission to contest the election if he secures bail. While the court allowed his candidacy, his ability to campaign is limited as the election period concludes on October 4.