Hasi Rani Rath, mother of Chandranath Rath — the long-time personal assistant of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari — on Thursday alleged that her son was targeted because of his role in Adhikari's victory over Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, after unidentified assailants allegedly intercepted the vehicle he was travelling in and opened fire at close range.
Speaking to reporters, Rath's mother claimed that her son had been an important member of Adhikari's core election team and had handled campaign responsibilities in both Bhabanipur and Nandigram, where Adhikari contested and won.
"My son was in charge of campaigns for both Bhabanipur and Nandigram. Probably that is why my son became a target, especially because of the defeat of Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur," she said.
She further alleged that provocative and vindictive remarks made by Trinamool Congress leaders during pre-election campaign rallies contributed to the atmosphere that ultimately led to her son's murder.
According to her, despite the BJP's electoral success, party leaders have consistently urged workers to maintain restraint and not take the law into their own hands. "The previous ruling party leaders constantly threatened dire consequences after the polls. That is exactly what they did to my son," she alleged.
While demanding strict punishment for the accused, Rath's mother said she was not seeking capital punishment. "I want the guilty to be punished. Since I am a mother, I will not demand that the culprits be hanged. But they should receive life imprisonment," she said, urging the incoming state government to ensure justice.
Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari also alleged that Rath's murder was politically motivated. "The only reason behind Chandranath Rath's murder is that he was my executive assistant and that I had defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. I will fulfil all my responsibilities," Adhikari said, according to PTI.
