The Daily PulsePolitics
BJP and TMC face arrests, withdrawals as West Bengal by‑polls approach
Reported by Pooja Nair (Section Editor) · Indian Express - Political Pulse ·
Reported by one source so far
Representative image · PexelsThe upcoming West Bengal by‑elections on October 6 are being marred by candidate withdrawals, arrests and claims of police pressure on opposition workers.## Nandigram TMC candidate Sanchita Dey Pradhan quit the race after the party threw its support behind Congress nominee Milan Pradhan. Within hours Pradhan was taken into custody over cases linked to the 2007 anti‑land‑acquisition protests. The seat became vacant when BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari gave up the Nandigram MLA post to keep his win from Bhabhanipur, where he defeated Mamata Banerjee. TMC spokesperson Pradipta Mukherjee called the turn of events a “fascist tendency” of the BJP to silence opposition voices. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed the accusations, saying the main opposition has “no name” and that meeting the chief minister shows the opposition’s weakness.
Rejinagar
AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, whose resignation triggered the bypoll, said police were harassing his party workers and announced he would not campaign on the ground, opting for social‑media outreach instead. Kabir’s son Golam Nabi Azad remains the AJUP candidate. Kabir appeared for questioning at Berhampore police station after a leaked audio allegedly discussed switching off CCTV at a planned Babri Masjid replica in Murshidabad and hoisting BJP flags. Police arrested Sarfaraz Nawaz Chowdhury, identified as one voice in the clip, and issued a notice to Kabir. Earlier arrests this month included four senior AJUP members (Manjur Rehman, Nasim Sheikh, Haq Mallick, Abdul Halim), independent Saiful Islam and AJUP secretary Ashik Iqbal. Kabir accused the BJP and the breakaway Democratic Trinamool faction of sharing names with police.
Reactions
TMC candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury first withdrew over internal issues and a new “footballer” symbol, then re‑entered the race after Mamata’s intervention. Congress fields Mohammed Abdullahil Kafi, while BJP fields Sakharav Sarkar with state minister Gouri Shankar Ghosh as election in‑charge. Sarkar’s campaign stresses new industries, a college and a bridge, accusing opponents of playing the religion card. Ghosh says the BJP will win, noting that roughly 65% of Rejinagar voters are Muslim. Results are slated for October 9.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
West Bengal will vote in two by‑elections on Oct 6 after Suvendu Adhikari and Humayun Kabir resigned their seats. Both contests have seen candidates drop out, arrests of party workers and accusations of police intimidation.
Why It Matters
The by‑polls test the BJP’s ability to retain power in a state where it faces a strong TMC opposition. Rejinagar’s largely Muslim voter base makes the seat a litmus test for the ruling party’s development narrative versus communal accusations. Arrests of opposition figures raise concerns about the use of state machinery to influence electoral outcomes, a pattern that could affect future elections across India.
What Happens Next
The Election Commission will count votes and announce results on Oct 9. Observers will watch whether the BJP’s development‑focused campaign can overcome allegations of intimidation, and whether minority voters stay with the ruling party or shift to opposition candidates. Any further legal actions against arrested leaders could spur additional political protests or court challenges.
