If you use social media you've probably seen them - polished fitness videos promising dramatic body transformations in weeks. They show chiselled physiques, striking before‑and‑after images and claims that you can look years younger by following a simple routine
Kylian Mbappe is facing mounting backlash from sections of the Real Madrid fanbase, with frustration over the French superstar reportedly reaching unprecedented levels despite his impressive individual numbers this season. Mbappe’s long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu was expected to usher
South Indian Bank JO Recruitment 2026: Apply for Junior Officer posts at recruit.southindianbank.bank.in, link hereSouth Indian Bank will recruit for Junior Officer posts. Eligible candidates can apply at recruit.southindianbank.bank.in. Published on: May 07
Mango pudding is the ultimate summer dessert, creamy, fragrant, and bursting with the fresh sweetness of ripe mangoes. This simple, one‑pot recipe turns just a handful of ingredients into a silky and decadent treat that is light on the palate. Perfect for quick family desserts, party gatherings
On Thursday, Nishant Kumar finally shed his reluctance and joined the Bihar cabinet. The son of Nitish Kumar took oath in the Samrat Choudhary cabinet on Thursday, putting to rest all speculations about his political future. Apart from the new entrant
Two people in a serious condition who were evacuated from a cruise ship with a confirmed outbreak of deadly hantavirus have arrived in the Netherlands for treatment, operator Oceanwide Expeditions has said. A third passenger in a stable condition was on board an evacuation flight that has been
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the second Joint Commanders’ Conference, themed ‘Military capability in new domains’, in Jaipur on Thursday (May 7, 2026). The two-day conference, being held at the Sapta Shakti Command headquarters
US-Iran peace deal 'very possible' but Trump warns of intense bombingDonald Trump said that if Iran fails to honour a potential agreement, Washington will resume its bombing campaign at a "much higher level and intensity." Updated on: May 07
Killing of Suvendu aide fuels fears of spiralling post-poll violence in Bengal
Killing of Suvendu aide fuels fears of spiralling post-poll violence in Bengal
Killing of Suvendu aide fuels fears of spiralling post-poll violence in Bengal
Calling the killing a "pre-planned murder", Adhikari alleged that his close aide Chandranath Rath had been tracked for days before being shot dead.
Published on: May 07, 2026 1:49 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Barely 48 hours after the West Bengal assembly elections delivered a verdict for a regime change, the killing of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide has pushed the state into a politically combustible phase, where post-poll violence threatens to overshadow the democratic transition. North 24 Parganas [West Bengal], May 07 (ANI): Chandranath Routh, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, after he was reportedly shot dead at Madhyamgram, in the North 24 Parganas on Wednesday. (Utpal Sarkar) What began as sporadic incidents of clashes after the BJP's historic victory has now rapidly acquired the contours of a larger confrontation marked by fear, revenge narratives and a battle for territorial dominance across politically sensitive districts. For the BJP, preparing to form its first government in Bengal, the murder is both a challenge and a political opportunity. Also Read | TMC MP Saugata Roy demands ‘strongest’ action against killing of Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath The challenge lies in preventing retaliatory violence by an emotionally charged cadre base. The opportunity lies in reinforcing the saffron camp's long-standing allegation that Bengal's political culture under the TMC rule was sustained through intimidation, targeted attacks and entrenched local power networks. Calling the killing a "pre-planned murder", Adhikari alleged that his close aide Chandranath Rath had been tracked for days before being shot dead in Madhyamgram. "This is heart-wrenching. They followed him and executed him," Adhikari reportedly told party workers after reaching the hospital late on Wednesday night, while simultaneously appealing to supporters not to "take the law into their own hands". That appeal itself reflected the scale of concern within the BJP leadership. Within hours of the killing, anger spread rapidly through the party's organisational network in districts, particularly in North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, where Adhikari commands considerable influence. Senior BJP leaders privately admitted fears that the murder could trigger spontaneous retaliation if not politically contained. "This is not an isolated murder. This is political terrorism," a BJP leader said, accusing the "old ecosystem" of trying to create fear before the new government assumes office. Rath was not a peripheral worker but someone deeply involved in the BJP's election machinery and closely associated with Adhikari, the party's principal strategist in Bengal and its most combative anti-TMC face. An attack on someone from his inner circle instantly raises the political stakes. Political analysts said Bengal's post-election violence has historically followed a recognisable pattern-- isolated attacks escalating into cycles of reprisals, territorial assertion and political signalling. "This is the most sensitive phase in Bengal politics - the period between the fall of one regime and the consolidation of another. Every violent incident during this phase acquires symbolic value," political analyst Subhomoy Moitra said. Reports of attacks on party offices, vandalism, intimidation and clashes have surfaced from several districts since the declaration of results. The killing in Madhyamgram is likely to intensify insecurity among grassroots workers and deepen polarisation in districts such as North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Medinipur, where political loyalties have shifted sharply in recent years. "The danger is that violence becomes self-sustaining. Every attack produces another justification for retaliation," another analyst said. The BJP is already seeking to project the incident not merely as a criminal act but as evidence that sections of the outgoing ruling ecosystem are unwilling to accept the transfer of power. The killing may also strengthen voices within the BJP advocating swift police reshuffles, tighter security measures and aggressive crackdowns in politically volatile belts immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. "The message from the BJP is clear; they want to portray this as the last resistance of a collapsing order," a political observer remarked. At the same time, the BJP leadership faces a delicate balancing act. While publicly adopting a muscular posture, the party is aware that uncontrolled retaliation by local cadre networks could deepen instability before the new administration formally takes charge. For the TMC, the episode presents a dangerous political trap. The party condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI probe, while simultaneously alleging that several of its workers were attacked in post-poll clashes. However, the optics remain politically damaging because the BJP has successfully consolidated a narrative of victimhood around the murder. This is particularly problematic for the TMC at a moment when it is already battling perceptions of organisational erosion following its electoral defeat. The incident has also sharpened the personal political battle between Adhikari and the TMC leadership. Over the years, Adhikari has fashioned himself as the BJP's principal street fighter in Bengal politics, building his image through relentless confrontation with the TMC establishment. The killing of a close aide is likely to further harden that posture and intensify the BJP's political messaging in the days ahead. In a deeply polarised state where elections often redraw local power equations overnight, political murders rarely remain isolated crimes. They become emotional triggers, organisational signals and rallying points for mobilisation. Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India on Hindustan Times and more across India. News/India News/Killing Of Suvendu Aide Fuels Fears Of Spiralling Post-poll Violence In Bengal See LessBarely 48 hours after the West Bengal assembly elections delivered a verdict for a regime change, the killing of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide has pushed the state into a politically combustible phase, where post-poll violence threatens to overshadow the democratic transition.
What began as sporadic incidents of clashes after the BJP's historic victory has now rapidly acquired the contours of a larger confrontation marked by fear, revenge narratives and a battle for territorial dominance across politically sensitive districts.
For the BJP, preparing to form its first government in Bengal, the murder is both a challenge and a political opportunity.
Also Read | TMC MP Saugata Roy demands ‘strongest’ action against killing of Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath
The challenge lies in preventing retaliatory violence by an emotionally charged cadre base. The opportunity lies in reinforcing the saffron camp's long-standing allegation that Bengal's political culture under the TMC rule was sustained through intimidation, targeted attacks and entrenched local power networks.
Calling the killing a "pre-planned murder", Adhikari alleged that his close aide Chandranath Rath had been tracked for days before being shot dead in Madhyamgram.
"This is heart-wrenching. They followed him and executed him," Adhikari reportedly told party workers after reaching the hospital late on Wednesday night, while simultaneously appealing to supporters not to "take the law into their own hands".
That appeal itself reflected the scale of concern within the BJP leadership.
Within hours of the killing, anger spread rapidly through the party's organisational network in districts, particularly in North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, where Adhikari commands considerable influence.
Senior BJP leaders privately admitted fears that the murder could trigger spontaneous retaliation if not politically contained.
"This is not an isolated murder. This is political terrorism," a BJP leader said, accusing the "old ecosystem" of trying to create fear before the new government assumes office.
Rath was not a peripheral worker but someone deeply involved in the BJP's election machinery and closely associated with Adhikari, the party's principal strategist in Bengal and its most combative anti-TMC face.
An attack on someone from his inner circle instantly raises the political stakes.
Political analysts said Bengal's post-election violence has historically followed a recognisable pattern-- isolated attacks escalating into cycles of reprisals, territorial assertion and political signalling.
"This is the most sensitive phase in Bengal politics - the period between the fall of one regime and the consolidation of another. Every violent incident during this phase acquires symbolic value," political analyst Subhomoy Moitra said.
Reports of attacks on party offices, vandalism, intimidation and clashes have surfaced from several districts since the declaration of results. The killing in Madhyamgram is likely to intensify insecurity among grassroots workers and deepen polarisation in districts such as North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Medinipur, where political loyalties have shifted sharply in recent years.
"The danger is that violence becomes self-sustaining. Every attack produces another justification for retaliation," another analyst said.
The BJP is already seeking to project the incident not merely as a criminal act but as evidence that sections of the outgoing ruling ecosystem are unwilling to accept the transfer of power.
The killing may also strengthen voices within the BJP advocating swift police reshuffles, tighter security measures and aggressive crackdowns in politically volatile belts immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
"The message from the BJP is clear; they want to portray this as the last resistance of a collapsing order," a political observer remarked.
At the same time, the BJP leadership faces a delicate balancing act.
While publicly adopting a muscular posture, the party is aware that uncontrolled retaliation by local cadre networks could deepen instability before the new administration formally takes charge.
For the TMC, the episode presents a dangerous political trap.
The party condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI probe, while simultaneously alleging that several of its workers were attacked in post-poll clashes.
However, the optics remain politically damaging because the BJP has successfully consolidated a narrative of victimhood around the murder.
This is particularly problematic for the TMC at a moment when it is already battling perceptions of organisational erosion following its electoral defeat.
The incident has also sharpened the personal political battle between Adhikari and the TMC leadership.
Over the years, Adhikari has fashioned himself as the BJP's principal street fighter in Bengal politics, building his image through relentless confrontation with the TMC establishment.
The killing of a close aide is likely to further harden that posture and intensify the BJP's political messaging in the days ahead.
In a deeply polarised state where elections often redraw local power equations overnight, political murders rarely remain isolated crimes. They become emotional triggers, organisational signals and rallying points for mobilisation.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Suvendu Adhikari's aide murdered BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide shot dead Cartel violence fuels doubts about FIFA World Cup games in Mexico CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal Humayun Kabir’s party moves HC alleging large-scale post-poll violence Bengal CEO pushes action on post-poll violence as TMC stages sit-in over EVM irregularity claims Hours after killing of Suvendu Adhikari's PA Chandranath Rath UK use of AI age estimation tech on migrants fuels rights fears Why drug cartel leader’s killing will lead to more violence and instability Pre-Poll Violence In Bangladesh
Bangladesh's new government is seeking Chinese involvement in the Teesta River restoration project. This move follows discussions between Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. The project's location near India's sensitive Siliguri Corridor raises concerns
Just now
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Flipkart Summer Sale 2026: Check out early deals on laptops, tablets, TVs, smartwatches ACs, washing machines and moreUnlock big savings on gadgets and home appliances during Flipkart
Just now
, the new venture founded by former MD & CEO , is in discussions to raise around Rs 100 crore in funding from stock market investor Ashish Kacholia and others, two people in the know said.“Neopolis Brands is looking to build a portfolio of global
Just now
Here is the complete list of other documents required for Baal Aadhaar for children below 5 years of age. New Delhi: Aadhaar card, the 12-digit identification number, issued by UIDAI to the resident of India, can be obtained free of cost. Adhaar comes as very handy when you have to submit it as a
Just now
Artificial intelligence lab Anthropic on Wednesday touted a new feature for its Claude AI, which it calls “dreaming.” Available as a research preview, “dreaming” comes with its software for managing agents, or AI programmes that perform tasks with little human involvement
Just now
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan confirmed his party received a request for support from the Vijay-led TVK. TVK emerged as the single largest party but needs more seats to form the government. VCK's high-level committee will soon decide on supporting TVK
Just now
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) specified that a Benchmark or Index that mutual fund tracks is ‘significant index’ if it has an AUM beyond ₹20,000 crore, in a circular released 6 May 2026. The threshold will be tested every six months, the capital market watchdog said
Just now
Back in February, an otherwise dry senate hearing took an unexpected turn when a flustered treasury official confirmed a little known fact: Australia gets more tax from beer than gas exports. "How do we live in a country, one of the biggest gas exporters in the world
Just now
AI in higher education: Beyond the hype, where it actually worksAI tutoring works best as a supplement to teachers, helping provide scalable educational support that many institutions struggle to offer on their own. Published on: May 07, 2026 12:48 PM IST By HT Education Desk Share via Copy link
Just now
Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Wednesday, with Tel Aviv claiming the attack killed a commander of the militant group Hezbollah, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday. The strikes came amid a United States-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that began
Just now
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Desert coolers under ₹8,000 get massive discounts in Amazon Summer Sale starting tonight for Prime membersAmazon Summer Sale starts tonight at 12 AM for Prime members! Wishlist these
Just now
Profits at oil giant Shell have risen in the first three months of the year following the sharp increase in oil prices since the beginning of the Iran war. Shell reported profits of $6.92bn (£5.1bn) for the first quarter, which was higher than analysts had expected and up from $5
1 minutes ago
Tamil Nadu Election news: Makkal Needhi Maiyam chief Kamal Haasan asserts that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay must be invited to form the government. He emphasizes that the people's verdict has created an unprecedented situation. Haasan highlights that denying Vijay this opportunity
1 minutes ago
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday barred a casino ship with a passenger capacity of 2,000 in the Mandovi river in Panaji, noting that it does not have the requisite certifications. The court was responding to a public interest litigation filed by an association named Enough is
1 minutes ago
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has begun the online application process for the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination (BPSC 72nd Integrated CCE) today, May 7. Candidates can apply by visiting the official websites bpsc.bih.nic.in and onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in
1 minutes ago
Employee laid off ‘in cold email at 2.30 am’, worries how to find a new jobIn a Reddit post, the employee shared the emotional toll of being suddenly fired. Published on: May 07, 2026 1:20 PM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link In a heartbreaking Reddit post that has ignited a
1 minutes ago
Apurva Asrani is permanently deleting Instagram account, says ‘Uncomfortable with no privacy even on private messages…’Writer Apurva Asrani says he will delete his personal Instagram account on May 8, 2026, citing loss of authenticity, increased surveillance on social media
1 minutes ago
Bayern Munich were left furious after a controversial handball decision during their UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, with players, coaching staff and supporters all stunned that a penalty was not awarded at the Allianz Arena
1 minutes ago
Sunrisers Hyderabad's assistant coach James Franklin highlighted the importance of bowlers understanding aggressive batting tactics in the IPL, citing Pat Cummins' dismissal of Priyansh Arya. Franklin praised the SRH bowling unit's detailed planning and execution
1 minutes ago
Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia X, is set to launch a new airline. This aggressive expansion comes despite rising oil prices. The new carrier is expected to be announced soon. Fernandes sees opportunities within the current market challenges
1 minutes ago
It did not take much for long-standing political alignments in Tamil Nadu to break down after the stunning election results on Monday. After the loss by the two Dravidian parties, which had between them had ruled the state for six decades, the Congress ditched the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance
1 minutes ago
Iran, which defended its sovereignty against two nuclear armed countries, is now a superpower, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei has said. Iran-Israel war LIVE updates - May 6, 2026 In an interview at the Ministry in Tehran, he said the country is currently reviewing United States’
1 minutes ago
Kash Patel vs. Chris Nanos: Everything FBI Director & Pima County Sheriff said amid ‘friction’ over Nancy Guthrie probeA “friction” erupted between Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and Kash Patel after the FBI chief leveled allegations against the cop in the Nancy Guthrie case
1 minutes ago
Killing of Suvendu aide fuels fears of spiralling post-poll violence in BengalCalling the killing a "pre-planned murder", Adhikari alleged that his close aide Chandranath Rath had been tracked for days before being shot dead. Published on: May 07
1 minutes ago
Protein-Rich Mango Smoothie with Minimal Ingredients and Natural Sweetness for a Refreshing and Balanced Summer DrinkProtein-rich mango smoothie is a quick summer drink made with mango, protein ingredients, and natural sweetness for balanced nutrition and refreshing taste. Published on: May 07
1 minutes ago
An Israeli court on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) rejected an appeal contesting the detention of two foreign activists seized by Israeli forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla, with the rights group representing them denouncing the ruling as "unlawful." Saif Abu Keshek
1 minutes ago
Shivon Zilis, a top executive at Neuralink and the mother of four children with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, appeared in court on Wednesday as one of the key witnesses in Musk’s legal battle against OpenAI, The Guardian reported. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT
1 minutes ago
