The murder of Chandranath Rath has triggered a fierce political confrontation in West Bengal, with BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya alleging it was a “planned act of political revenge” and issuing a sharp warning to the ruling Trinamool Congress. His remarks come amid rising tensions ahead of a major political event in the state.
Bhattacharya visited Barasat Medical College and Hospital on Thursday morning, where Rath’s body has been kept for post-mortem. Expressing outrage, he questioned the motive behind the killing, pointing out that Rath was not an active political figure but merely an aide to Suvendu Adhikari. “Why would someone target a non-political individual in such a brutal manner?” he asked.
Hinting at a larger conspiracy, the BJP leader raised the possibility that the killing may have been intended as a message—either directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the state in the coming days, or as an attempt to intimidate the BJP.
Calling the incident a “well-planned, revenge-driven political murder,” Bhattacharya asserted that such an operation could not have been carried out without local knowledge. “Criminals did not come from another planet. If such a calculated killing takes place, local elements must have been aware,” he said.
Despite his strong words, Bhattacharya maintained that the BJP would not retaliate in the same manner. “We know the language of the Trinamool Congress, we can speak it—but we choose not to,” he remarked, adding that restraint remains the party’s stance even in the face of provocation.
He also recounted the moment he informed Suvendu Adhikari about Rath’s death, describing it as deeply distressing. According to Bhattacharya, Adhikari had initially believed Rath was still alive and was planning to shift him for better treatment.
The BJP leader further alleged that a network of criminal activities has been thriving in the Barasat–Madhyamgram belt, accusing the Trinamool Congress of enabling a culture of impunity over the past decade and a half. He cited issues such as fake identity documents and organised illegal activities in the region.
Bhattacharya said he was refraining from making more detailed statements at this stage due to the ongoing investigation and the model code of conduct still being in effect. He also urged the Election Commission and the Governor to take note of the situation.
The incident has also drawn reactions from other BJP leaders. Dilip Ghosh, the party’s winning candidate from Kharagpur Sadar, blamed the political environment fostered by the ruling party, claiming that the entry of “criminal elements” into politics has led to such outcomes.
With the BJP’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled at Brigade Parade Ground in the coming days, and top national leaders expected to attend, the timing of the murder has intensified political speculation.
As the investigation continues, the case is rapidly evolving into a flashpoint in Bengal’s already charged political landscape.
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