Congress questions timing of candidate’s arrest ahead of Nandigram bypoll
The Congress party has accused the BJP of using the West Bengal Police to arrest their candidate, Milan Pradhan, to influence the Nandigram bypoll. Additionally, the party criticized the central government's new UPI merchant transaction fees, suggesting it was done under U.S. pressure.
Why it matters
This highlights rising political tensions in West Bengal and ongoing debates regarding digital payment policies and foreign influence in Indian economic governance.
The Congress on Saturday (September 19, 2026) criticised the ruling BJP over the timing of the arrest of its candidate Milan Pradhan ahead of the Nandigram byelection in West Bengal, after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support to the party, saying the people will respond to such tactics at the right time.
Pawan Khera, head of the Congress’s media department, told PTI that it was a matter of concern that the West Bengal Police had arrested the party’s nominee when the cases against him were old.
“Why did the West Bengal Police arrest the Congress candidate now?” Mr. Khera asked. “When they suddenly came to know that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had extended support to the Congress in the Nandigram bypoll, our candidate was arrested.”
Mr. Khera added that people are waiting for the right time to respond to such tactics.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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