Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan strongly denounced the murder of Chandranath Rath, the Personal Assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, by alleged Trinamool Congress members. Rath was fatally shot while returning home from a party event in North 24 Parganas district. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and abdomen and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Viva City Hospital.
Buddhadeb Bera, who was with Rath during the attack, also suffered gunshot injuries and is in critical condition at the same hospital. Pradhan criticized the TMC for what he called a “cold-blooded, barbaric, and cowardly execution” and accused them of fostering a violent political environment in West Bengal. He expressed concern over the targeted violence against BJP workers and supporters, attributing it to the TMC’s tactics of fear and intimidation.
The Minister emphasized that the violence in Bengal is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic strategy to suppress opposition voices. He condemned the escalating political violence and underscored the need to uphold democratic principles. Pradhan highlighted the need to address the culture of fear and bloodshed in Bengal and assured that those responsible for the violence would face legal consequences.
Pradhan vowed to honor the memory of Chandranath Rath and other BJP members who have lost their lives, promising to continue the fight for peace, security, and genuine democratic values in West Bengal. He extended his condolences to Rath’s family and reiterated the commitment to uphold democratic ideals in the face of adversity.
