Chandranath Rath: Suvendu Adhikari's aide shot dead by bike-borne assailants
Synopsis
Chandranath Rath — the man who managed Suvendu Adhikari's schedule, files, and calls for seven years, and was tipped to become Executive Assistant to West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister — was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Kolkata on 7 May. A former IAF serviceman who once dreamed of becoming a monk, his killing strikes at the heart of Adhikari's inner circle at a moment of peak political transition.
Key Takeaways
Chandranath Rath , 42 , personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari , was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Kolkata on 7 May .
Rath was a former Indian Air Force serviceman with around 18 years of service, hailing from East Midnapore .
He joined Adhikari as a full-time aide in 2019 and remained his shadow through the latter's transition from TMC to BJP .
Rath was widely tipped to become Executive Assistant to the Chief Minister if Adhikari formed West Bengal's first BJP government.
The BJP won a landslide in West Bengal; Adhikari won from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies.
Family members say Rath was spiritually inclined since his student days and had once expressed a desire to become a monk .
Chandranath Rath, the long-time personal assistant of West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Kolkata on 7 May. Rath, 42, had served as Adhikari's indispensable aide for the last seven years, managing everything from the politician's daily schedule and files to his calls and meeting preparations.
Who Was Chandranath Rath
A former Indian Air Force serviceman with approximately 18 years of service, Rath hailed from East Midnapore — Adhikari's native district. His family had been associated with the Adhikari family for years, even during the period when Suvendu Adhikari was aligned with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Family members have recalled that Rath was spiritually inclined since his student days and reportedly once expressed a desire to become a monk.
Seven Years as Adhikari's Shadow
Rath formally joined Adhikari as a full-time personal assistant in 2019, when Adhikari was a member of the state cabinet during the second term of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal (2016–2021). When Adhikari crossed over to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Rath followed without hesitation, cementing his role as the politician's closest aide.
After Adhikari won the Nandigram Assembly constituency in 2021 — famously defeating then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — and became the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Rath was his chosen personal assistant throughout that tenure.
The BJP's West Bengal Landslide and Rath's Projected Role
Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, it was widely speculated in media and political circles that if the BJP came to power and Adhikari became the state's first BJP Chief Minister since independence, Rath would serve as Executive Assistant to the Chief Minister. The BJP subsequently achieved a landslide victory in West Bengal. Adhikari won simultaneously from both Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata — defeating Mamata Banerjee — and from his native Nandigram seat. Rath's killing has robbed Adhikari of the aide widely expected to be at his side at the peak of that political journey.
The Attack
According to reports, Rath was shot dead by bike-borne assailants. Further details about the circumstances of the attack, the number of assailants, and the motive are yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. Investigations are reportedly underway.
The killing has sent shockwaves through political circles in West Bengal, coming at a moment of significant transition for the state's new ruling dispensation.
Point of View
Days after a landmark electoral victory, carries an unmistakable message. West Bengal's history of post-poll violence is well-documented, and this incident fits a disturbing pattern where political transitions are accompanied by targeted attacks on key figures. The critical question authorities must answer swiftly is whether this was a politically motivated hit or a personal enmity — because the answer will define the law-and-order narrative of Adhikari's incoming administration before it has even taken oath.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was the long-time personal assistant of West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. A 42-year-old former Indian Air Force serviceman from East Midnapore, he served as Adhikari's aide for seven years, managing his schedule, files, calls, and meeting preparations.
How was Chandranath Rath killed?
Chandranath Rath was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Kolkata on 7 May. The exact circumstances and motive are yet to be officially confirmed, and investigations are reportedly underway.
What was Chandranath Rath's connection to Suvendu Adhikari?
Rath's family had been associated with the Adhikari family for years. He formally became Adhikari's full-time personal assistant in 2019, followed him when Adhikari switched from TMC to BJP, and remained his closest aide through Adhikari's tenure as Leader of Opposition.
What role was Chandranath Rath expected to play in a BJP West Bengal government?
According to media and political circles, if the BJP came to power and Adhikari became Chief Minister, Rath was widely expected to serve as Executive Assistant to the Chief Minister — effectively the most powerful aide in the state administration.
What is the political context of Rath's killing?
The BJP has won a landslide victory in West Bengal, with Adhikari defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and also winning from Nandigram. Rath's killing comes at a moment of major political transition, raising concerns about targeted violence linked to the post-election environment in the state.
