BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the murder of his personal assistant. The incident, which occurred on May 7, 2026, has sparked a political firestorm in the state. Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, alleged that the killing was a direct consequence of the lawlessness prevailing under the Trinamool Congress government, which he termed as 'Maha Jungle Raj'.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the personal assistant, identified as 35-year-old Rakesh Singh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his residence in Kolkata. Singh had been working with Adhikari for over a decade and was known to be a trusted aide. The assailants fled the scene after the attack, leaving Singh critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The BJP has condemned the murder, with party leaders demanding a thorough investigation. Suvendu Adhikari, visibly emotional, accused the state government of failing to ensure the safety of citizens. 'This is the result of the jungle raj created by Mamata Banerjee. Law and order have completely collapsed in West Bengal,' he said.
TMC's Response and Demand for CBI Probe
In a surprising turn, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, 'We want a fair investigation. The CBI should take over the case to uncover the truth.' However, the TMC's demand has been met with skepticism by the BJP, which accused the ruling party of trying to divert attention from its failures.
Mamata Banerjee, while expressing condolences, dismissed Adhikari's allegations. 'We are saddened by the loss of life. But blaming the government without evidence is irresponsible. We will ensure the culprits are brought to justice,' she said.
Political Fallout
The murder has intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Adhikari, a former TMC leader who joined the BJP in 2020, has been a vocal critic of the Banerjee government. He has frequently highlighted incidents of political violence in the state.
Several BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have expressed shock over the incident. Shah tweeted, 'This brutal murder shows the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal. We stand with Suvendu Adhikari in his hour of grief.'
The opposition has called for a statewide protest on May 10, demanding justice for Singh and stricter measures to curb political violence. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the area.
Background of Violence
West Bengal has witnessed several instances of political violence in recent years, with both the BJP and TMC accusing each other of instigating attacks. The state has seen a rise in clashes during elections and political rallies. In 2025, at least 12 political workers were killed in separate incidents across the state.
Human rights organizations have urged the state and central governments to take concrete steps to address the issue. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken suo motu cognizance of the murder and sought a detailed report within two weeks.
Conclusion
The killing of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant has once again brought the issue of political violence to the forefront in West Bengal. While the TMC's demand for a CBI probe is seen as an attempt to appear impartial, the BJP remains skeptical. As the investigation unfolds, the political temperature in the state is expected to rise further. The incident underscores the urgent need for a robust law and order mechanism to protect lives and ensure justice.
