Calcutta High Court directs West Bengal to permit Congress candidate in Nandigram bypoll

The Calcutta High Court has intervened in the Nandigram assembly bypoll controversy, directing the West Bengal State Election Commission to permit Congress candidate Milan Pradhan to participate in the electoral contest. The order addresses a dispute that had threatened to exclude Pradhan from the October 6 bypoll.

With campaign activities set to conclude on October 4, the court's intervention leaves limited time before voters go to the polls. The bypoll is being conducted to fill the vacant assembly seat in the Purba Medinipur district constituency.

The Nandigram bypoll has emerged as a significant electoral contest in West Bengal's political landscape. The judicial directive underscores the importance of ensuring all eligible candidates have the opportunity to contest, upholding democratic principles enshrined in India's electoral framework.

The exact grounds for the initial restriction on Pradhan's candidacy were not immediately detailed, but the high court's decision affirms the candidate's eligibility to participate in the election process. Poll officials are expected to implement the court's directive promptly as the election schedule advances.