Guwahati, 07 May (HS): The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday strongly condemned the killing of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of senior West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, describing the incident as a brutal act that has shocked the conscience of society.

In a statement issued from the Assam Pradesh BJP headquarters, the party said political differences and ideological disagreements are natural in a democracy, but violence and political revenge through force and intimidation have no place in a civilized society.

The party alleged that despite the people of West Bengal exercising their democratic rights fearlessly in the recent Assembly elections and giving a clear mandate in favour of the BJP, certain elements linked to the ruling dispensation and opposition forces were attempting to create an atmosphere of fear, violence and political vendetta in the state.

Calling the incident deeply disturbing and condemnable, the Assam BJP said every citizen of West Bengal aspires for peace, security and the protection of democratic values. The party demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the killing and sought the strictest punishment for those responsible.

The BJP also claimed that after losing political power, some vested interests had allegedly targeted BJP workers and office-bearers through repeated acts of violence. Expressing condolences, the party paid tribute to those who lost their lives and conveyed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Referring to West Bengal as the land of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the Assam BJP said the people of the state had placed their trust in the BJP during the Assembly elections. The party reiterated its commitment to establishing a transparent, democratic and welfare-oriented government dedicated to public welfare.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash