The killing of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district late on Wednesday night has triggered sharp condemnation from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders, who accused the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of perpetuating political violence and a "rule of goons" in the state.

According to reports, Rath was shot dead while returning home from a party programme in the Madhyamgram area. West Bengal Police have registered a case and launched an investigation; the motive and accused are yet to be identified, according to officials.

Uttarakhand CM Condemns the Attack

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, speaking to reporters in Dehradun, called the incident deeply unfortunate and said violence had no place in a democracy. "I strongly condemn this unfortunate incident. In a democratic process, there is no place for violence. This attempt to create such an atmosphere is a result of frustration and despair. They have been shown the exit door by the people," Dhami said.

He expressed confidence that a future double-engine government in Bengal under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership would "establish good governance, work for the welfare of the poor, and eliminate the atmosphere of fear and terror," adding that Bengal would move towards "Sonar Bangla."

Chirag Paswan Calls It 'Condemnable and Shameful'

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan described the killing as a direct affront to the democratic mandate of West Bengal's voters. "It is condemnable and shameful, and people of West Bengal voted against this. The government that is going to take oath the day after tomorrow will ensure strict punishment for the goons of the TMC," Paswan said.

His remarks carried an implicit political dimension — referencing an incoming government that he suggested would move swiftly against those responsible for political violence in the state.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan Warns TMC Leaders

BJP MP Ravi Kishan alleged that the TMC had resorted to violence out of political frustration following what he characterised as a decisive public rejection of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership. "After 15 years, where Mamata Banerjee believed that no one could defeat her, the people, by trusting PM Modi, have defeated her and removed her from power. Now, out of frustration, they are not accepting this and are resorting to violence and killings," Kishan said.

He went further, issuing a direct warning: "Once the government is formed, the police will track each one of you down and serve justice. You will face the strictest punishment, even up to the death penalty. So, stop this hooliganism and criminal behaviour now."

Investigation Underway, Motive Unclear

West Bengal Police have confirmed that a case has been registered in connection with Rath's killing and that an investigation is actively under way. Further details on the motive and the accused are awaited, according to reports. The TMC has not issued a public response to the NDA leaders' allegations as of the time of reporting.

This is not the first time political violence in West Bengal has drawn national attention — the state has a long-documented history of clashes between rival party workers, particularly in the aftermath of electoral contests. With political temperatures running high, all eyes will be on the pace and outcome of the police investigation.