The BJP has alleged a larger political conspiracy behind the killing of Chandranath Rath, the close aide and executive assistant of senior party leader Suvendu Adhikari, claiming the murder was intended to send a “political message” in West Bengal’s tense post-poll atmosphere.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Thursday described the killing as a “planned political murder” and accused forces behind the attack of attempting to create instability in the state.
The incident has sharply intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) trading accusations over rising political violence after the elections.
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Chandranath Rath Shot Dead Near Madhyamgram
Chandranath Rath, who served as executive assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night near Doltala in Madhyamgram under North 24 Parganas district.
According to reports, bike-borne assailants intercepted Rath’s vehicle around 10.30 pm near the Barasat-Madhyamgram border. The attackers allegedly forced the vehicle to stop before opening fire at point-blank range and fleeing from the spot.
The shocking killing immediately triggered strong reactions from BJP leaders and workers across the state. Police teams rushed to the area soon after the attack and launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities later shifted Rath’s body to Barasat Hospital for post-mortem examination.
BJP Calls It Planned Political Murder
Speaking to reporters outside Barasat Hospital, Samik Bhattacharya alleged that the killing was not an ordinary criminal incident but a targeted political attack.
“It was a targeted violence,” Bhattacharya said while addressing the media after Rath’s post-mortem process.
The BJP leader claimed the attackers deliberately targeted a person closely associated with Suvendu Adhikari. He further alleged that the murder aimed to create fear and instability in the state’s political environment.
Bhattacharya also questioned whether the killing intended to send a direct political signal to the BJP leadership or even to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to visit Kolkata within the next two days.
His remarks significantly escalated the political controversy surrounding the murder.
BJP Links Incident To Post-Poll Violence
The BJP leadership connected Rath’s killing with what it described as a broader pattern of post-poll violence in West Bengal.
Bhattacharya referred to recent incidents involving the deaths of BJP workers and another shooting incident in Basirhat. According to BJP leaders, political workers and supporters continue facing threats and violence after the elections.
The party accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to maintain law and order in politically sensitive areas across the state.
BJP leaders argued that repeated violent incidents have created fear among opposition workers and supporters in several districts.
Political observers noted that allegations of post-poll violence have remained a recurring issue in West Bengal politics over recent years.
TMC Rejects BJP Allegations
The Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations made by BJP leaders and denied involvement in Rath’s killing.
TMC representatives accused the BJP of trying to politicise a criminal investigation before police complete their probe. Party leaders also claimed that BJP-backed miscreants were responsible for attacks on TMC workers in recent days.
According to TMC leaders, three party workers were allegedly killed over the past three days. The ruling party accused the BJP of selectively highlighting incidents for political purposes.
The exchange of accusations further intensified the already heated political atmosphere in the state.
Political analysts believe both parties are attempting to shape public perception regarding law and order and political violence ahead of future elections.
BJP Describes Area As Sensitive Zone
Samik Bhattacharya described the Barasat-Madhyamgram border region as a “sensitive zone” vulnerable to criminal and illegal activities.
The BJP leader alleged that the area witnessed serious criminal operations, including the forging of Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and voter identity documents during the TMC’s rule.
According to Bhattacharya, infiltrators allegedly used such forged documents to operate in the region.
The BJP has repeatedly raised concerns regarding border security, illegal infiltration, and identity fraud in politically sensitive districts of West Bengal.
Political observers noted that such issues frequently become central talking points during election campaigns in the state.
BJP Warns Against Political Intimidation
During his remarks, Bhattacharya issued a stern warning to those allegedly involved in political violence and intimidation.
“Our restraint should not be mistaken for weakness,” he said while speaking about attacks on BJP workers and leaders.
The BJP leader, however, stated that he would avoid discussing operational details related to the incident because the investigation remains underway and the model code of conduct continues to remain in force.
Bhattacharya also announced that he would inform Governor R. N. Ravi regarding the incident and the BJP’s concerns over the law-and-order situation.
Police Continue Investigation Into Killing
Police officials confirmed that investigators have started examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements related to the shooting.
Authorities are reportedly trying to identify the bike-borne attackers who fled immediately after the incident. Security presence has also increased in parts of North 24 Parganas following the killing.
Officials urged political parties to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Police teams continue examining whether the murder involved political rivalry, local disputes, or broader criminal connections.
The incident has attracted major public attention because of Rath’s close association with Suvendu Adhikari and the broader political implications surrounding the case.
Political Tensions Rise In West Bengal
The killing of Chandranath Rath has once again brought political violence and law-and-order concerns to the centre of political discussions in West Bengal.
Political analysts believe the incident could further intensify confrontation between the BJP and TMC in the coming days. Both parties continue accusing each other over rising violence and instability after the elections.
The BJP’s claim that the murder carried a “political message” has added another controversial dimension to the case.
As investigations continue, authorities remain under pressure to identify the attackers quickly and restore public confidence regarding security and law enforcement.
The politically sensitive killing has therefore emerged as one of the most closely watched developments in West Bengal’s increasingly polarised political environment.
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