KC Venugopal, the All India Congress Committee General Secretary, has publicly condemned the arrest of Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the upcoming Nandigram by-election. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “authoritarian politics” aimed at undermining democratic processes. This accusation was made during a media interaction in Alappuzha on September 19.

Venugopal asserted that the Congress Party would not retract Pradhan’s nomination despite the circumstances surrounding his arrest. He expressed determination to conduct protests nationwide, highlighting that the party views the situation in West Bengal as intensely undemocratic. The Congress leadership regards their fight against the BJP as vital for preserving democratic integrity in India.

During his comments, Venugopal remarked that the continuing suppression of dissent in India has culminated in a situation where voices of opposition are targeted with unfounded allegations. He referred to the current political landscape as a regression, claiming that “basic democracy is no longer evident in the country.”

Pradhan’s Arrest Sparks Political Controversy

Milan Pradhan’s arrest has drawn significant attention due to its timing, occurring shortly after the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, expressed support for his candidacy. The incident has turned the Nandigram by-election, scheduled for October 6, into a focal point of political contention. Pradhan is said to be involved in an older murder case, raising questions about the motives behind his detention.

The Congress Party has rallied its leaders who have united to denounce what they perceive as a politically motivated arrest. Venugopal has stressed that even the most severe circumstances would not prevent Pradhan from contesting in the by-poll. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming election as a measure of resistance against perceived BJP overreach.

Connections to previous political events in Nandigram were not overlooked, with Venugopal labelling the region’s political history a “black chapter” in Indian democracy. His remarks were a reference to past incidents involving state violence against opponents, which still resonate in local and national discussions.

Upcoming Bypoll Details and Political Landscape

The Nandigram parliamentary seat became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari relinquished it while opting to retain his position in Bhabanipur following the Assembly elections in 2026. In this context, the by-poll has attracted candidates from various political affiliations. The BJP has nominated Hasirani Rath, while the CPI has put forward Shanti Gopal Giri alongside Congress’s Milan Pradhan.

The forthcoming by-election in Nandigram coincides with other elections, including those in Rejinagar and a Lok Sabha seat in Nagaon, Assam. All such elections are scheduled for October 6, with results expected to be announced on October 9. The Congress views this by-election as not only a local contest but also as part of a broader fight against the BJP for political dominance in India.

In his concluding remarks, Venugopal reaffirmed the intent of Congress to mobilise efforts at a national level, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects in the next general elections in 2029. He indicated that the ongoing situation would galvanise public support and opposition to what he termed authoritarian measures implemented by the ruling party.

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