Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Thursday condemned the killing of Suvendu Adhikari's executive assistant, Chandranath Rath, calling it a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal. He asserted that the people of the state have voted against such politics of violence.
Chirag Paswan's statement
Addressing the media, Paswan said, "Bengal's people voted against this politics of violence. The killing of Chandranath Rath is a heinous crime. The state government must ensure the safety of all citizens and bring the perpetrators to justice." He added that the incident underscores the need for a strong opposition to hold the ruling dispensation accountable.
Details of the incident
Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by bike-borne assailants around 10.30 pm on Wednesday. The attackers forced his car to stop on the outskirts of Kolkata before opening fire. Rath died on the spot. Police have launched an investigation, and a case has been registered.
The killing has sparked political outrage, with the BJP accusing the Trinamool Congress government of fostering a climate of fear and violence. The state's ruling party has denied any involvement and called for a fair probe.
Political reactions
Several opposition leaders have expressed shock and condemned the murder. Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar termed it a "political murder" and demanded a CBI investigation. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress spokesperson said the party does not condone violence and urged all to wait for the investigation results.
Chirag Paswan's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where the BJP has been accusing the ruling party of targeting its workers and leaders. The incident is likely to further strain the political atmosphere in the state, especially with the 2026 assembly elections on the horizon.
