Killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Triggers Political Tension in West Bengal

Kolkata | May 7, 2026: Political tensions escalated in West Bengal after Chandranath Rath, a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was allegedly shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Police suspect the killing was a planned and targeted attack that took place late Wednesday night.

Following the incident, BJP leader Arjun Singh accused Abhishek Banerjee of being behind the murder, alleging it was politically motivated and aimed at intimidating party workers after the recent Assembly elections. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has denied the charges and condemned the killing.

According to police sources, Rath’s vehicle was intercepted in the Doharia area by armed assailants who allegedly trailed him using a car and a motorcycle before opening fire at close range. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he later died. His driver was also injured and is undergoing treatment in Kolkata.

The BJP termed the incident a targeted political attack and demanded a thorough investigation, linking it to the ongoing confrontation between the BJP and TMC in the state. Party leaders said the killing reflects rising tensions in Bengal’s political landscape following the election results.

Meanwhile, the TMC has called for a court-monitored probe, stating that political violence has no place in democracy. The incident has further intensified the charged atmosphere in West Bengal, where sporadic clashes and unrest have been reported in several districts since the elections.