Guwahati, May 7: The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on May 7 strongly condemned the killing of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to senior West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, terming the incident a “heinous act” and calling for an impartial investigation.
In a statement issued from the party’s state headquarters in Guwahati, the Assam BJP said the murder had “shocked the conscience of civilised society” and alleged that efforts were being made to create an atmosphere of political violence and intimidation in West Bengal following the Assembly election results.
The party stated that political and ideological differences are a natural part of democracy, but asserted that “seeking political revenge through violence and firearms can never be the hallmark of a democratic and civilised society.”
Referring to the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Assam BJP claimed that voters had “fearlessly exercised their democratic rights” and delivered a mandate in favour of the BJP. However, it alleged that certain elements linked to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and opposition groups were attempting to unleash political vendetta and violence after the polls.
Describing the developments as “deeply alarming and condemnable,” the party said incidents of brutality and bloodshed have no place in a democratic society. It urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killing are identified and punished under the strictest provisions of law.
The Assam BJP also alleged that repeated attacks had been carried out against BJP workers and functionaries in West Bengal after the party’s electoral gains in the state.
The statement paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the violence and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
“The land of West Bengal, sanctified as the birthplace of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, has this time bestowed its mandate upon the Bharatiya Janata Party,” the party stated, adding that the BJP remains committed to establishing a “healthy, transparent and democratic government dedicated to the welfare of the people.”
The party further appealed to the authorities concerned to take firm measures to prevent any recurrence of political violence in the future.
