Nandigram By-Poll Turmoil: Candidate Arrests, TMC Flip-Flops, and New UPI Fees

Political Volatility in West Bengal's By-Polls

The political atmosphere in West Bengal has intensified as the Nandigram by-poll approaches. On September 19, 2026, the West Bengal Police arrested Milan Pradhan, the Congress nominee, based on pending warrants from 2007. These charges stem from the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram and include allegations of murder, rioting, and criminal intimidation [1].

The timing of the arrest has sparked a fierce debate. Pawan Khera, head of the Congress’s media department, questioned why these decades-old cases were suddenly pursued only after Mamata Banerjee extended her support to the Congress candidate. This strategic alignment followed the withdrawal of the Trinamool Congress's own candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, from the race [1].

The Rejinagar Candidate Drama

Parallel to the Nandigram crisis, a dramatic sequence of events unfolded in Rejinagar on September 20, 2026. Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the Trinamool candidate, initially announced his withdrawal from the by-poll at approximately 10:52 am, citing threats and the inability to mobilize workers due to police pressure [2].

However, in a swift reversal, Chowdhury decided to stay in the contest by 12:30 pm. This U-turn followed a phone conversation with Mamata Banerjee and assurances of protection from the Beldanga police officer-in-charge [2]. The BJP has dismissed this instability as "child’s play," suggesting that the Trinamool is fielding reluctant candidates.

Economic Outlook: Upcoming UPI Merchant Fees

Beyond the electoral chaos, a significant policy change is scheduled for Indian digital payments. Starting Thursday, October 15, 2026, a new 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will be applied to specified Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant transactions that exceed ₹2,000 [1].

While the policy is not yet in force, some restaurants in Kolkata are already weighing potential menu price hikes to offset these prospective operating costs [2]. The Congress party has politicized the move; Pawan Khera alleged that the decision was taken under pressure from the U.S., referencing Donald Trump in his criticism [1].