In a disturbing development that has further escalated political tensions in West Bengal, the personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district, just two days after the party’s significant victory in the Assembly elections.
The victim, Chandranath Rath, was known to be a trusted aide of Adhikari and had worked closely with him for more than a decade. According to Sources, Rath was attacked after unidentified assailants intercepted his vehicle at Doharia in Madhyamgram. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds—reportedly to the head, chest, and leg—and died at the scene.
Another person, identified as Buddhadeb, who was present with Rath during the incident, also sustained injuries in the firing. He was initially taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, where his condition is said to be critical. The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the attack.
Officials stated that Rath had been deeply involved in Adhikari’s political and organisational work and had recently played an important role in managing campaign-related responsibilities during the elections. His death has sent shockwaves across the BJP’s state leadership, given his close association with the senior leader.
The incident has occurred at a time when political tensions in the state remain high following the election outcome. The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused members of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to provoke violence by allegedly impersonating BJP supporters, intensifying the ongoing political confrontation.
Suvendu Adhikari, a key figure in West Bengal politics and widely regarded as a leading contender for the chief minister’s position, gained the title of “giant killer” after defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency by a margin of over 15,000 votes.
There have also been reports of multiple incidents of violence across different parts of the state, with several killings reported within a 24-hour period. However, authorities have not yet established any direct connection between these incidents.
Police have initiated an investigation into the murder and are working to trace and arrest those involved. Security measures have been intensified in sensitive locations to prevent any further escalation of violence.
The killing of a close aide to a prominent political leader so soon after the election results has raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in the state, even as political parties continue to exchange allegations over the incident.
Notably, In the Madhyamgram constituency, where the incident took place, TMC candidate Rathin Ghosh had emerged victorious by a slender margin of 2,399 votes, highlighting the closely fought nature of the contest in the area.