BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari’s PA Shot Dead in West Bengal Days After BJP’s Massive Poll Victory

West Bengal witnessed a shocking incident of political violence late Wednesday night after Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant (PA) of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district.

According to police officials, Rath was travelling in a vehicle when unidentified motorcycle-borne attackers intercepted the car near Doharia in Madhyamgram and opened fire indiscriminately. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead.

A senior officer of the Barasat police district confirmed the incident and said an investigation is currently underway.

“Chandranath Rath has been shot dead. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. Investigation is going on,” the officer said.

Officials also confirmed that another person travelling inside the vehicle sustained injuries in the attack and was admitted to hospital for treatment.

Attack by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants

Initial reports suggest that the attackers had been following Rath’s vehicle before carrying out the attack.

BJP leader Koustav Bagchi told the media that armed miscreants riding motorcycles stopped the vehicle and fired multiple rounds while Rath was still inside the car.

“Unidentified motorcycle-borne goons were following the car. The vehicle was stopped near Doharia in Madhyamgram and the miscreants fired indiscriminately while Rath was still inside,” Bagchi said.

The area was immediately cordoned off by police after the shooting, and senior police officials rushed to the spot.

Key Role in Election Management

Chandranath Rath was considered a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari and reportedly played a crucial role in managing the BJP leader’s election campaigns in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.

Adhikari emerged victorious from both seats, including the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency where he defeated Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Party leaders described Rath as an important figure involved in grassroots coordination and election strategy.

Incident Comes Amid Post-Poll Tension

The incident comes just two days after the BJP registered a massive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, winning 207 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’ long dominance in the state.

The TMC was reduced to around 80 seats in the Assembly, marking one of the biggest political shifts in West Bengal in recent decades.

Since the declaration of results, reports of political clashes and violence have surfaced from multiple districts across the state. BJP leaders have repeatedly alleged attacks on party workers and supporters following the election outcome.

PM Modi, Amit Shah Expected at Oath Ceremony

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP-led government in West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony in Kolkata on May 9.

The killing of Adhikari’s close associate has intensified the political atmosphere ahead of the formation of the new government.

Police Investigation Underway

Police have launched an investigation into the murder and are trying to identify the attackers using CCTV footage and local intelligence inputs.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack, but given the heightened political tensions in the state after the elections, the case is being treated with high seriousness.