West Bengal's Nandigram Assembly bypoll witnessed a dramatic political development on Friday after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in connection with an old alleged murder case. The arrest came only hours after Mamata Banerjee announced that her faction would support Pradhan's candidature in the October 6 bypoll.

The development has added another layer of uncertainty to an already fluid contest in Nandigram, where changes involving candidates, rival Trinamool Congress factions and the Congress have rapidly reshaped the electoral battle.

Milan Pradhan Arrested in Old Case

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested by West Bengal Police in connection with an old murder case linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests, according to reports. The arrest took place shortly after Mamata Banerjee announced support for his candidature.

The 2007 Nandigram movement remains a significant chapter in West Bengal's political history. The protests against land acquisition helped establish the Trinamool Congress as a major force against the Left Front and became closely associated with Mamata Banerjee's political rise.

The timing of Pradhan's arrest has also triggered political reactions. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh questioned the timing and raised concerns over what he described as a lack of confidence surrounding the arrest.

Mamata Banerjee Announces Support for Congress

The arrest followed Mamata Banerjee's announcement that her faction would support the Congress candidate in Nandigram.

The decision came after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who had been fielded by Banerjee's faction, withdrew from the bypoll contest. Reports said her withdrawal followed a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Banerjee described the Congress as a "sister party" and linked the decision to the broader objective of strengthening the INDIA bloc. She said the Nandigram decision could mark the beginning of a future political understanding.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, however, said the Congress had not sought Mamata Banerjee's support. He said Banerjee was free to make the announcement after her faction's candidate withdrew.

Why Nandigram Matters

Nandigram has considerable political significance in West Bengal because of its association with the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement.

The movement became an important part of the Trinamool Congress's campaign against the Left Front, which had governed West Bengal for decades. The political impact of Nandigram contributed to the broader shift that brought the Trinamool Congress to power in 2011.

The constituency later became closely associated with the political contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari. The upcoming bypoll therefore carries significance beyond the immediate contest for the Assembly seat.

TMC Name and Symbol Dispute Adds to Uncertainty

The Nandigram developments are unfolding amid a separate dispute over the identity of the Trinamool Congress.

The Election Commission on Friday allotted separate names and symbols to the rival factions after freezing the use of the "All India Trinamool Congress" name and the party's traditional "Flowers and Grass" symbol for the bypolls.

The faction led by Mamata Banerjee was allotted 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.

Both factions are set to contest the upcoming bypolls under their newly allotted identities.

Key Highlights

• Congress candidate Milan Pradhan has been arrested in West Bengal in an old alleged murder case.
• The arrest occurred hours after Mamata Banerjee announced support for Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll.
• The Nandigram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
• Mamata Banerjee's faction backed Congress after its candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew from the contest.
• Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the party had not requested Mamata Banerjee's support.
• Nandigram has historical significance because of the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement.
• The Election Commission has allotted the name "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" and the Football Player symbol to Mamata Banerjee's faction.
• The rival faction has been allotted the name "Democratic Trinamool Congress" and the Envelope symbol.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on information reported by established third-party news organisations and publicly reported statements available as of September 18, 2026. Details concerning the arrest, the underlying case and political reactions may develop as further information becomes available. Allegations reported in connection with any criminal case should not be treated as proof of guilt unless established through due legal process.

Third-Party References: NDTV, Times of India, Moneycontrol, The New Indian Express, India Today and News On AIR.

Conclusion

The arrest of Milan Pradhan has added a significant new development to the Nandigram bypoll just hours after Mamata Banerjee announced support for his candidature. With the Congress now receiving backing from Banerjee's faction, rival Trinamool groups operating under new names and symbols, and the legal case against the Congress candidate drawing political reactions, the Nandigram contest remains highly fluid. Further developments are expected as the October 6 bypoll approaches.