Nandigram: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan alleges BJP targeting party campaign material

Congress candidate for the Nandigram by-election, Milan Pradhan, on Friday alleged that BJP workers were damaging his party’s posters, banners, placards and microphones during the election campaign. He questioned whether such incidents were consistent with democratic practices.

Pradhan also raised several local issues during his campaign, alleging that Nandigram has long faced inadequate drinking water facilities and lacks medical, nursing, technical and polytechnic colleges.

He claimed that the constituency has significant potential for industrial development, pointing to around 800 bighas of prepared land and the closure of the Works and Standards Company Limited, which he said once employed 15,000–20,000 workers. Pradhan also highlighted tourism and handicrafts as areas with potential in Nandigram. He identified Naya Chor as a possible location for a tourism hub and alleged that adequate government representation was lacking.

The Congress candidate also referred to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and made broader allegations about the state of democracy in the country. He further alleged that threats and attacks on vehicles were taking place and claimed that democratic political parties were coming together over concerns about the political situation.

The Nandigram Assembly by-election is scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9.