CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan resumed campaigning for the Nandigram Assembly by-election on Wednesday after being released from Haldia correctional home on interim bail. Pradhan had been arrested on September 18 in connection with cases dating back to the 2007 Nandigram land acquisition agitation.
The Calcutta High Court granted Pradhan interim bail until October 20 in six cases, allowing him to participate in the election campaign. The Nandigram by-election is scheduled for October 6, while campaigning will end on October 4.
After his release, Pradhan reached Nandigram and began his campaign from the local Congress office. Accompanied by party workers, he walked towards Tenor through the Nandigram bus stand area and interacted with residents and shopkeepers.
Pradhan has alleged that he was pressured during custody to withdraw his nomination and has described his arrest as politically motivated. These claims have not been established as findings of fact. BJP leaders have rejected his allegations.
The Congress candidate was arrested in six cases connected with the 2007 unrest, including four registered at Nandigram police station and two in neighbouring Khejuri. The cases relate to incidents from nearly two decades ago.
The Bengal government has challenged the Calcutta High Court's bail order before the Supreme Court. The legal proceedings are continuing alongside the election campaign, with Pradhan currently participating in the contest under the conditions of the interim bail order.
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