Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Political Motive Behind Aide’s Murder After Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur Defeat

Kolkata, May 2026 : Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday alleged that the murder of his executive assistant, Chandranath Rath, was politically motivated and linked to the defeat of Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

Addressing reporters after the incident, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader claimed that Rath had been specifically targeted because of his close association with him. According to Adhikari, Rath’s role as his executive assistant and the political developments surrounding the Assembly elections were the primary reasons behind the killing.

“This is the only reason,” Adhikari said while alleging that Mamata Banerjee’s defeat in Bhabanipur had led to political hostility against those associated with him. He described the incident as a major personal loss and said that if he had not been a BJP leader, Rath might not have become a target.

Adhikari further stated that Rath’s family members were devastated and could feel that the tragedy may not have occurred had Rath not worked with him or had the electoral battle in Bhabanipur ended differently. He assured the family of his full support and demanded swift action against those responsible for the murder.

The BJP leader called for the immediate arrest of the accused and urged authorities to ensure that the culprits are charge-sheeted and convicted at the earliest. He maintained that the murder was not a spontaneous act but a carefully planned operation executed with precision.

Calling it a “pre-planned cold-blooded murder,” Adhikari alleged that reconnaissance had been conducted before the attack. He referred to the findings from the post-mortem examination and claimed that four bullets were recovered from Rath’s body.

According to him, the attackers fired from very close range and targeted vital areas around the heart to ensure immediate death. Adhikari described the assailants as “specialists” and “dangerous terrorists,” claiming that the manner in which the attack was carried out indicated professional planning and execution.

Escalating his criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress, Adhikari accused the party of fostering a culture of violence in the state. He used strong words against the party leadership and alleged that criminal elements were operating under political protection.

The BJP leader further claimed that attempts were being made to create instability and disturb law and order in West Bengal ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9. He, however, did not provide specific details regarding the alleged conspiracy.

Despite the tense political atmosphere, Adhikari thanked BJP workers, supporters, and members of the public for standing with him during what he described as a difficult and emotional moment. He also acknowledged that leaders from the Left Front had reached out to express condolences and pay tribute to Rath.

Speaking about the investigation, Adhikari said the West Bengal Director General of Police had informed him that progress had been made in the case. According to him, the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime had been recovered around four kilometres from the site of the incident.

The murder of Chandranath Rath has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with the BJP demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the case. The incident has once again brought the issue of political violence in the state into sharp focus, as leaders from rival parties continue to trade allegations over law and order and political targeting.

As the investigation continues, security agencies are expected to examine all possible angles, including political rivalry and planned criminal conspiracy, behind the killing.