Calcutta High Court grants interim bail to Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate

Milan Pradhan, nominated as the Congress candidate for the Nandigram assembly bypoll, has been granted interim bail by the Calcutta High Court, clearing the way for his participation in the electoral campaign. The bail, valid until October 20, permits Pradhan to remain out of custody during the critical pre-election period.

Pradhan was arrested on September 18 in connection with a 19-year-old case. The timing of his arrest had raised questions given its proximity to the scheduled bypoll on October 5. The interim bail order from the high court enables him to actively campaign for the seat during the remaining weeks before voting.

The interim relief is expected to facilitate Pradhan's participation in election-related activities, including public meetings and door-to-door campaigning. The bail condition extends beyond the election date, providing him protection from immediate arrest until October 20.

The Nandigram bypoll has emerged as a keenly watched contest in West Bengal's political landscape. Pradhan's ability to campaign freely now removes a significant hurdle to his candidacy, though the circumstances surrounding the arrest remain a subject of political discourse.