Chandranath Rath shot dead in Bengal: Pradhan blames TMC goons
Synopsis
A BJP leader's personal assistant was shot dead in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district late Wednesday, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan directly blaming TMC 'goons' and calling it a 'cowardly execution.' A second man in the same vehicle remains critically injured, and no arrests have been reported.
Key Takeaways
Chandranath Rath , PA to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari , was shot dead late Wednesday night in Madhyamgram , North 24 Parganas .
Rath sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his head , chest , and abdomen ; declared dead at Viva City Hospital .
A second victim, Buddhadeb Bera , who was in the same vehicle, is in critical condition at the same hospital.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused TMC of a "cold-blooded, barbaric and cowardly execution." Pradhan warned that all those responsible — "perpetrators or protectors" — will be held accountable under the law.
No arrests have been reported; TMC has not publicly responded to the allegations as of publication.
Chandranath Rath, Personal Assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late on Wednesday night in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district. The killing has triggered sharp political condemnation, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan directly accusing the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating what he called a "cold-blooded, barbaric and cowardly execution."
How the Attack Unfolded
Rath was returning home from a party programme when he was fired upon by unidentified assailants. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen. He was rushed to Viva City Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
A second individual, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, who was travelling in the same vehicle at the time of the attack, also suffered multiple bullet injuries. Bera is currently undergoing treatment at Viva City Hospital and remains in critical condition, according to hospital sources.
What Dharmendra Pradhan Said
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pradhan issued a scathing statement, saying: "A cold-blooded, barbaric and cowardly execution by TMC goons! The brutal murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to Suvendu Adhikari ji, is yet another grim reminder of the blood-soaked political culture unleashed by Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal."
The Union Minister alleged that BJP workers and supporters have "repeatedly been targeted, attacked, and murdered simply for refusing to surrender to TMC's politics of fear and intimidation." He described the violence as "not isolated" but rather "a deliberate ecosystem of terror designed to crush democratic opposition."
Pradhan further alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "desperation over Bengal steadily slipping out of TMC's grip is now manifesting in its ugliest form," adding that the party had "increasingly resorted to threats, brutality, and political bloodshed to preserve its weakening grip over Bengal." The TMC has not responded to these allegations as of the time of publication.
Political Violence in West Bengal: The Broader Context
The killing of Rath comes amid a long-running pattern of alleged political violence in West Bengal, which has seen repeated accusations from the BJP against the TMC — and vice versa — over targeted attacks on party workers. This is not the first time a BJP functionary's associate has been killed in the state, and the incident is likely to intensify the political battle ahead of future electoral cycles.
Pradhan stated that Bengal is witnessing "a direct assault on democracy", where "dissent is answered with violence" and "political rivalry is treated as justification for murder." He warned that "every act of political violence and every individual responsible, whether perpetrators or protectors, will be held accountable under the law."
Condolences and Resolve
Concluding his statement, Pradhan said: "The sacrifice of Chandranath Rath and countless BJP karyakartas will not be forgotten or allowed to go in vain. The fight to restore peace, security, and genuine democratic values in West Bengal will continue with full resolve. Heartfelt condolences to his grieving family and loved ones in this hour of immense pain. May his soul rest in peace."
Investigators are yet to formally name any suspects. The incident is expected to further inflame political tensions in North 24 Parganas and draw national scrutiny to law and order in West Bengal.
Point of View
But it is important to note that Dharmendra Pradhan's accusations against TMC remain allegations — no arrests have been made and investigators have not formally named suspects. West Bengal's political violence is a documented pattern, but attributing individual killings to a party before investigation concludes is a political act, not a legal finding. The BJP's framing of every such incident as state-sponsored TMC terror serves its electoral narrative in Bengal; TMC's silence so far is conspicuous. What is undeniable is that a man is dead, another is critically injured, and the state's law enforcement is once again under the spotlight for failing to prevent targeted political violence.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was the Personal Assistant to BJP leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. He was shot dead late Wednesday night while returning home from a party programme in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas.
Who has been accused of the killing?
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of carrying out the attack, calling it a 'cold-blooded, barbaric and cowardly execution by TMC goons.' These remain political allegations; no formal suspects have been named by investigators.
What is the condition of the second victim, Buddhadeb Bera?
Buddhadeb Bera, who was travelling in the same vehicle as Chandranath Rath at the time of the attack, sustained multiple bullet injuries and is currently in critical condition at Viva City Hospital in West Bengal.
Have any arrests been made in the Chandranath Rath murder case?
As of the time of publication, no arrests have been reported in connection with the killing of Chandranath Rath. Investigators have not formally named any suspects.
What is the political significance of this killing?
The murder of a senior BJP leader's personal assistant in West Bengal intensifies the ongoing political conflict between the BJP and TMC. It is likely to become a flashpoint in national politics and draw fresh scrutiny to law and order in West Bengal ahead of future elections.
