BBC World reports: Top BJP leader's aide shot dead in violence after Indian state election56 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMeryl Sebastian,BBC NewsandMoyurie Som,BBC BanglaANIChandranath Rath was shot dead on Wednesday night while he was in a car on his way homeThe aide to a top leader from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has been shot dead in violence that broke out after elections in West Bengal state.Chandranath Rath was personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, seen as the front-runner to become the state's new chief minister after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the vote. Rath was on his way home on Wednesday night when he was killed.
Police are investigating but haven't made any arrests yet. Rath is among at least three people killed in the eastern state since Monday when results were announced. Banerjee has alleged that the exercise removed thousands of non-BJP voters, paving the way for her defeat.
Background
The BJP and India's Election Commission have repeatedly denied these allegations.Rath's murder has escalated tensions, leading to fears of an increase in the scale of violence.Adhikari called the death "heartwrenching". "This is a cold-blooded murder," he told reporters. PTIRath's murder has escalated tensions in West BengalPolice said they had found a car that was used in the crime but that its licence plate number was incorrect.
Key facts
- Rath was on his way home on Wednesday night when he was killed.
- Police are investigating but haven't made any arrests yet.
- Rath is among at least three people killed in the eastern state since Monday when results were announced.
What this means
Police have not confirmed the party affiliations of the two victims other than Rath.Adhikari and other BJP leaders alleged that law and order in West Bengal had deteriorated under Banerjee's rule. "As soon as our chief minister takes the oath and our government assumes power, everything will be set right though it may take a little time," said BJP's Sukanta Majumdar, a junior federal minister.Getty ImagesSuvendu Adhikari is widely seen as the front runner to become West Bengal chief ministerThe state's new chief minister is expected to be sworn in on Saturday. The BJP has not confirmed the name yet, but Adhikari, a former TMC leader who moved to the BJP, is the front runner.
The BJP had on Monday secured a landslide victory in the state polls, winning 207 seats of 294. Adhikari also defeated Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency, which was her stronghold. Since then, the party has conducted victory rallies across the state, with supporters chanting slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram' (Victory to Lord Ram).However, visuals of arson and vandalism have emerged from many districts, including Murshidabad, Birbhum, Kolkata and Howrah.TMC has accused BJP workers of vandalising and even setting fire to some of its party offices.
Originally reported by BBC World. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
