Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former tennis champion Leander Paes on Thursday, 7 May blamed what he called "dirty politics" in West Bengal for holding the state back, speaking out in the wake of the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Paes, who joined the BJP days before the state Assembly elections, made the remarks while speaking to IANS in Kolkata.

Condolences Over Chandranath Rath's Murder

Paes expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Chandranath Rath, saying, "My heart goes out to his family, the security, people who were around him and to their families." Rath's death, which occurred in the volatile post-election period following the 4 May results, has intensified political tensions across the state. The BJP has been vocal in attributing the violence to the ruling dispensation, though no official attribution has been confirmed.

Why Bengal Has 'Not Been Allowed to Thrive'

Referring to West Bengal as a "secular state" with a united and warm populace, Paes drew a sharp distinction between the people and the political environment. "People here are very united and together, but it's the dirty politics that has been played. It just shines again," he said. He added, "The way it has played out in the last couple of days post May 4 (election results), just shows why Bengal has not thrived, why it has not been allowed to thrive." This comes amid a broader pattern of post-poll violence that has repeatedly drawn national attention in West Bengal over successive election cycles.

Paes on BJP's Victory and Modi's Leadership

The former world No. 1 doubles player credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the BJP's performance in Bengal. "Six weeks ago, when I joined, I had said that a double engine is really important, and now we have got that," Paes said, referring to the concept of the same party governing both the state and the Centre. He described his entry into politics as a "new partnership" and said he feels "blessed to serve our people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He also expressed his intention to focus on youth development, sports, and broader welfare for the people of India.

Bengal as a Future 'State of Example'

Paes, who was born in Kolkata, struck an optimistic note about the state's potential under the new political alignment. "Now the place where I was born, the city that gave me passion and taught me how we live as a community, will thrive," he said. He projected West Bengal as a future agricultural, manufacturing, and sporting capital of the country, pointing to the rise of Assam and Odisha as comparable success stories. "If Assam and Odisha can become such powerhouses, West Bengal can do just the same," he added. With the BJP now eyeing a stronger foothold in the state, Paes said he looks forward to Bengal becoming a "state of example" under PM Modi's leadership.