The BJP has turned the killing of Chandranath Rath into a central theme of its Nandigram bypoll campaign by nominating his mother, Hasirani Rath, from the seat vacated after Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur.
Key Takeaways:
- BJP has nominated Hasirani Rath, mother of slain Suvendu Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath, for the Nandigram Assembly bypoll.
- Chandranath Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram on May 6, two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results.
- The CBI is investigating the killing, with the case taking on added political significance ahead of the Nandigram by-election.
The BJP leadership has decided to field Hasirani Rath from Nandigram, and the decision has brought the killing of her son Chandranath Rath back into the centre of West Bengal’s political discourse.
Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on May 6. The attack took place just two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced.
Rath was travelling in a car when motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly opened fire. He suffered multiple bullet injuries and died after being taken to a hospital. The driver also sustained injuries in the attack.
The killing immediately triggered a political controversy in the state. BJP leaders described it as a targeted attack and demanded a detailed investigation. The case later moved from the state police and Special Investigation Team to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
CBI probe continues into Rath murder
The CBI has since made several arrests in connection with the case and has examined a possible political angle to the killing.
The agency arrested two men in July and alleged that the murder could have involved a contract-killing conspiracy with possible political links. Investigators also examined the alleged links of the accused with Rath.
Earlier, the agency arrested multiple accused in different states. In May, investigators also recovered a firearm from an accused in Uttar Pradesh and sent it for forensic examination to determine whether it matched the weapon used in the murder.
The investigation has therefore remained an important backdrop to the BJP’s political messaging around Rath’s killing.
Hasirani Rath gets BJP ticket
Against this backdrop, the BJP on Tuesday named Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the Nandigram Assembly bypoll.
Her nomination gives the party an emotional dimension to its campaign in a constituency that has remained closely associated with Suvendu Adhikari.
Hasirani Rath has been involved in politics for several years. She has served twice as a panchayat member and three times as a panchayat samiti member, according to reports.
After the BJP announced her candidature, she expressed confidence about contesting from Nandigram. She also said she would carry out any responsibility given to her by the party.
Rath had earlier described Suvendu Adhikari as the guardian of her family.
Nomination to carry political significance
Hasirani Rath is scheduled to offer prayers at temples in Nandigram before filing her nomination papers.
A large number of BJP workers and supporters are expected to accompany her during the nomination programme. She is scheduled to lead a procession towards the District Magistrate’s office in Haldia, where she will submit her papers.
Suvendu Adhikari is also expected to remain present during the nomination process.
The BJP’s choice of Rath is significant because the Nandigram bypoll itself arose after Adhikari won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the Assembly election and retained the latter seat.
The contest now gives the BJP an opportunity to use the circumstances surrounding Chandranath Rath’s death as a major political issue while seeking to retain its hold over Nandigram.
Nandigram enters another high-stakes contest
Nandigram has remained one of the most politically watched constituencies in West Bengal. The BJP has maintained a strong presence there since Suvendu Adhikari’s victory in 2021.
The selection of Chandranath Rath’s mother adds a personal and emotional layer to the upcoming contest.
For the BJP, her candidature links the bypoll campaign with the unresolved political questions surrounding the killing of a close aide of the Chief Minister.
For the opposition, the case is likely to remain a point of political contest as the campaign gathers pace.
The Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls will be held on October 6. The last date for filing nominations is September 16, while counting and declaration of results are scheduled for October 9.
The Nandigram contest will therefore be watched not only for its electoral outcome but also for the political resonance of Hasirani Rath’s candidature and the continuing investigation into Chandranath Rath’s killing. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)