Goa, May 7 -- A wave of political tension has returned to West Bengal after Chandranath Rath, personal assistant of BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead on May 6 in Madhyamgram on the outskirts of Kolkata. Investigators suspect it was a pre-planned ambush. Rath, an Indian Air Force veteran, was considered a key aide who played an important role in Adhikari's electoral victories, including the high-profile contest against Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. His killing has intensified concerns over continuing post-poll violence in the state following the recent elections. Rath's death is not an isolated case in Adhikari's political circle. Earlier incidents involving close aides and associates have also raised suspicion.

In 2013, Pradip Jha...