Vote theft, party theft… murder of democracy: Opposition hits out at BJP, backs Mamata Banerjee over Trinamool Congress symbol feeze

The Congress party strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the arrest of their candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll, accusing the BJP of resorting to "political revenge and murder of democracy." Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi denounced the arrest as a blatant attempt to undermine fair elections, stating that the BJP's actions show a lack of faith in the electoral process.

Congress is resolute in its fight against such actions, vowing to "fight—and we will win," according to the party's MP.

The Congress leader also denounced the BJP's use of a 19-year-old case to arrest Pradhan, arguing that it is an indication of their willingness to go to any lengths to undermine democracy. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal echoed these sentiments, warning that the BJP will stop at nothing to hijack democracy in West Bengal. He further accused the BJP of attempting to "convert our great Constitutional democracy into a Banana Republic" through intimidation tactics.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena also expressed their discontent with the BJP's actions, claiming that these incidents demonstrate the party's intent to splinter and weaken opposition parties. Rahul Gandhi highlighted this pattern, suggesting that the BJP consistently targets opposition parties by splitting them and snatching their symbols.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the two factions of the Trinamool Congress not to use the party's name and symbol in the upcoming bypolls. The Congress and other opposition parties have condemned this decision, accusing the ECI of being a tool in the hands of the BJP to destroy democracy. Opposition leaders are demanding accountability from the ECI, warning that its actions are undermining the mandate of the people and the very foundations of democratic governance.