New Delhi: The NDA leaders on Thursday condemned the killing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant Chandranath Rath in West Bengal and launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging that the state continues to witness political violence and “rule of goons”.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami strongly condemned the incident and said violence has no place in a democracy.
“I strongly condemn this unfortunate incident. In a democratic process, there is no place for violence. This attempt to create such an atmosphere is a result of frustration and despair. They (TMC) have been shown the exit door by the people,” Dhami said while addressing reporters in Dehradun.
Expressing confidence in the BJP’s future government in West Bengal, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister added, “I believe that in the coming times, a double-engine government in Bengal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will establish good governance, work for the welfare of the poor, and eliminate the atmosphere of fear and terror. Bengal will move towards ‘Sonar Bangla’.”
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas Chief, Chirag Paswan, also condemned the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, calling it “shameful” and against the democratic mandate of the people of West Bengal.
“It is condemnable and shameful, and people of West Bengal voted against this. The government that is going to take oath the day after tomorrow will ensure strict punishment for the goons of the TMC,” Paswan said.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan accused the TMC of resorting to violence out of political frustration after losing public support.
“After 15 years, where Mamata Banerjee believed that no one could defeat her, the people, by trusting PM Modi, have defeated her and removed her from power. Now, out of frustration, they are not accepting this and are resorting to violence and killings,” Kishan said.
He also alleged that the TMC government was run by “mafias and goons” and said the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide had exposed the party’s “real face”.
“Through your platform, I want to tell all the TMC goons and mafias that times have changed now. The people have rejected you and accepted PM Modi. Accept the reality. Once the government is formed, the police will track each one of you down and serve justice. You will face the strictest punishment, even up to the death penalty. So, stop this hooliganism and criminal behaviour now,” Kishan added.
In a shocking incident late on Wednesday night, Chandranath Rath was shot dead while returning home from a party programme in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district.
Police in West Bengal have registered a case and launched an investigation into the killing.
Further details on the motive and accused are awaited, according to reports.
(IANS)
