West Bengal has once again witnessed political tension and violence after Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The shocking incident has triggered a massive political storm in the state, with BJP leaders accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering an atmosphere of violence.
According to police reports, unidentified attackers opened fire on Rath while he was returning home in Madhyamgram. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Witnesses claimed that two bike-borne assailants fled the scene after the shooting.
The BJP strongly condemned the attack, calling it evidence of deteriorating law and order in West Bengal. Senior BJP leaders alleged that political workers and supporters were being targeted following recent Assembly election developments.
Suvendu Adhikari described the incident as a “brutal political murder” and demanded a high-level investigation into the case. BJP supporters staged protests in several districts demanding justice and stronger security measures.
On the other hand, the TMC denied all allegations and urged political parties not to politicize the incident before the investigation concludes. Party spokespersons stated that the law would take its course and those responsible would be punished regardless of political affiliation.
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The incident comes amid reports of post-election clashes and tensions across parts of West Bengal. Security agencies have reportedly detained hundreds of individuals linked to violent incidents after election results.
Political analysts believe West Bengal continues to struggle with deep-rooted political rivalry and cadre-based conflicts that have historically intensified during election periods.
The murder has reignited debates over political violence in the state and raised concerns about public safety. Opposition leaders across India condemned the killing and demanded impartial investigations.
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The state’s new chief minister is expected to be sworn in on Saturday. The BJP has not confirmed the name yet, but Adhikari, a former TMC leader who moved to the BJP, is the front runner.
The BJP had on Monday secured a landslide victory in the state polls, winning 207 seats of 294. Adhikari also defeated Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency, which was her stronghold.
Since then, the party has conducted victory rallies across the state, with supporters chanting slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ (Victory to Lord Ram).
However, visuals of arson and vandalism have emerged from many districts, including Murshidabad, Birbhum, Kolkata and Howrah
As investigations continue, authorities have increased police deployment in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.
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Eyewitnesses claimed the vehicle carrying Rath was first blocked near Doharia junction by a small four-wheeler, after which a motorcycle rider approached the SUV and started firing from close range.
The eyewitness told ANI, “Just as Chandra’s car crossed mine, it suddenly stopped midway, and a bike-borne person came and started shooting on the left side of the car. The person seemed to be an expert and fled immediately. It appeared to be pre-planned. The shots were fired at point-blank range. I heard the sound of two rounds. The incident occurred between 10:30 pm and 11 pm, around 200-300 metres from the hospital. The public brought the victim to the hospital, and the driver of the car was also shot.”
BJP leader Navin Mishra said,
“We had anticipated this. For the past three days—and indeed, after the election results were declared—I have stated several times that we suspected acts of vandalism and sabotage would occur in various places. I can state with absolute certainty that this alleged murder is part of a massive conspiracy hatched by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. They were speaking quite confidently about it. There appears to be a major conspiracy involving Rajeev Kumar.”
Here’s what TMC said
TMC said in a post on X, “We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram tonight, along with the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly carried out by BJP-backed miscreants over the last three days, despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force.”
We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram tonight, along with the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly carried out by BJP-backed miscreants over the last three days, despite the Model Code of Conduct being…
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 6, 2026
Who was Suvendu Adhikari’s PA?
Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in North 24 Parganas. He had followed a notably different path before entering politics—transitioning from a career in the Indian Air Force to becoming one of Adhikari’s trusted associates.
Rath, aged 41, originally came from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district, the same political region closely associated with Adhikari’s rise in West Bengal politics, PTI reported, citing party sources.
Described as soft-spoken and low-profile, he largely stayed out of the public spotlight despite being part of Adhikari’s inner circle for several years.
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