Kolkata: The killing of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has triggered a major political storm in the state following the BJP’s sweeping electoral victory.
Rath, 41, was shot dead on Wednesday night in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. According to reports, unidentified assailants riding motorcycles intercepted him and opened fire at close range before fleeing the spot. The incident has sent shockwaves through political circles in West Bengal.
Reacting to the incident, Suvendu Adhikari expressed deep grief and said he was in mourning over the loss of one of his closest and most trusted associates. Rath was widely regarded within BJP circles as a disciplined and loyal aide who had worked closely with the senior leader for several years.
Suvendu Adhikari’s brother, Dibyendu Adhikari, demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the murder, alleging that the truth behind the killing must be uncovered through an impartial investigation.
Senior BJP leader Arjun Singh directly blamed workers associated with the ruling All India Trinamool Congress for the murder and accused party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee of being politically responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
The murder comes just days after the BJP’s massive electoral success in West Bengal, intensifying political tensions across the state. BJP leaders have alleged that the killing was politically motivated, while the ruling party has yet to officially respond to the accusations.
Chandranath Rath was not a public political figure, but he was known within BJP ranks as one of Suvendu Adhikari’s most dependable aides. Originally from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district, Rath had previously served as an officer in the Indian Air Force for nearly two decades before joining active political coordination work with Adhikari.
Those close to Rath described him as soft-spoken, disciplined, and deeply influenced by the teachings of the Ramakrishna Mission. His sudden death has left BJP workers and supporters mourning the loss of a dedicated associate who had long worked behind the scenes.
Political observers believe the murder could further sharpen the already intense political rivalry in West Bengal in the aftermath of the election results. Investigations into the case are currently underway.
